The torture and killing of the young wolf have been widely shared on social media. Anyone who has witnessed the social media posts can see the pain and fear in the wolf’s eyes.

Several US news sources have been reporting on the incident.

“As Sublette County residents wondered what Roberts, known locally as an avid hunter who keeps a kennel of dogs trained to hunt mountain lions, could have had in his possession, the small town rumor mill churned out a photograph that would capture the world’s attention as one of the most horrid examples of the hatred toward and politicization of wolves.” Source Gillette New Record

Cody Roberts, 42, of Daniel, holding a beer and grinning, poses with a female yearling wolf whom he allegedly tortured. The father of four is accused of chasing down the wolf on his snowmobile, running her over to immobilize her, duct-taping her mouth shut, having his hunting dogs take turns attacking her, and bringing her into the Green River Bar before shooting her. Although other media outlets reported this photo as taken inside the bar, upon inspection the Roundup believes it was taken inside the mudroom of a residence rather than the bar. Source, Pinedale Round Up News.

The photograph clearly shows the young female wolf is in deep distress.

In response to a public records request, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on Wednesday evening released two short disturbing video clips of a wolf that had been captured and tormented by a Wyoming man before being killed.

Wolf Connection Podcast interviewed Carter Niemeyer, “Part ll of the Wyoming Wolf Incident.”

Carter discusses the outright hatred for predators in this country. He is a well-known predator expert and a retired FWS biologist who spent decades working with wolves. Carter explains that young wolves are likely to go limp and not look you in the eyes when faced with incidents like these. Incidences like these are common and known as “coyote bashing.” Listen to the entire interview.

Incidents like these spur the public into action, as in Wisconsin, which has added wild animals to their animal cruelty laws.

It is alleged here that Rory and Robby Kuenzi charged were operating their snowmobiles on a trail in Waupaca County when they came across a large number of deer in a field. They charged the deer with their snowmobiles, ramming and running over at least five. At one point, Robby Kuenzi rode on top of a downed deer and did a “burn out,” causing the deer’s abdomen to rip open. The Kuenzis tied a strap around the neck of another downed live deer, dragged it to a tree, and secured it there. The Kuenzis apparently planned to retrieve that deer later, but never returned.

The Kuenzis were criminally charged under the animal cruelty statute, WIS. STAT. § 951.02.1 (Wisc Law) Both men moved to dismiss the charges, and the circuit courts granted the motions.

The Kuenzis’ primary argument is that the animal cruelty statute cannot be applied to their actions, no matter how cruel or senseless, because they were engaged in taking “wild animals” and the taking of non-captive wild animals is a hunting activity regulated by WIS. STAT. ch. 29. In the Kuenzis’ view, chapter 29, and only that chapter, regulates hunting and, therefore, they may take a wild animal by any means without fear of prosecution so long as their means are not specifically prohibited by chapter 29. We disagree and, accordingly, reverse and direct the courts to reinstate the charges.

Several years back, I was involved in working to ban the use of dogs to track and trail wolves when I found the following video online of a hunter sicking his dogs on a coyote. Warning for viewers: this video contains scenes of animal cruelty.

I gave the video to a well-known non-profit, trusting they would pursue charges against the hunter. After several months of waiting without a response, I sent it to an organization specializing in direct action with no response either. I finally gave the video to a Wisconsin Conservation Warden who investigated and deemed it a case of animal cruelty. The Warden turned it over to the Florence County D.A.’s office, and they responded that the case was too old to prosecute. And yes, I did kick myself for not turning it into the DNR in the first place.

In conclusion, incidents like these spur the public into action, as in Wisconsin, which has now added wild animals to their animal cruelty laws. I hope this will be the case in Wyoming so there will be justice for the young female wolf.

In the end, history will tell if animal cruelty laws in all states across the USA did the right thing, including protecting native predators.

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