Since reports broke of a wolf being captured, tormented and killed in and around the tiny western Wyoming town of Daniel, there has been international outcry for stiffer penalties in the case — and those may be coming.
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday afternoon issued a statement that it’s working with the Sublette County Attorney and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to investigate the allegations that have sparked a flood of angry and highly charged responses from around the globe.
Because it’s an “active investigation,” the statement didn’t contain any specific details about the case, or the names of any person or people who may be under investigation.
Game and Fish previously stated that a person had been fined $250 for illegal possession of live wolf, but didn’t identify that person.
Sublette County Court records indicate that Cody Roberts, 42, of Daniel, was fined for that offense. Roberts also has been identified as the man in a photo obtained and published by Cowboy State Daily pictured posing with a young wolf that had its muzzle taped shut.
Worldwide Rage
According to accounts of events in Sublette County on Feb. 29, Roberts allegedly ran the wolf down with a snowmobile and captured it. He then allegedly took it to his home, and then showed it off at a local bar in Daniel before taking out behind the bar and killing it.
The photo and story have since gone viral across the country and around the world, causing widespread livid reactions and calls for Roberts to face penalties beyond the $250 fine.
More Charges Could Be In The Works
The sheriff’s investigation could mean that stiffer penalties are forthcoming in the case, as previously explained by experts to Cowboy State Daily.
Sublette County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich said it wasn’t certain whether animal cruelty charges could be brought to bear in the case.
But, he could consider filing such charges if an investigation by “a peace officer” requested that he do so. And peace officers could include sheriff’s deputies or Game and Fish wardens.
Retried federal game warden Tim Eicher of Cody also told Cowboy State Daily that a sheriff’s investigation could possibly lead to a revocation of hunting privileges in cases such as the alleged wolf torment.
Attention Prompted Investigation
The sheer volume of attention to the case might have prompted the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office statement.
“The Sheriff’s Office did not receive any complaints from the public until news of the incident went viral early last week,” the statement says. “Wyoming Game and Fish was the agency who handled the initial investigation, and rightfully so, as this involved wildlife.
“Our office, along with the Sublette County Attorney’s Office, are working with Wyoming Game and Fish to gather evidence and information relevant to the case.”
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
