Daniel Resident Indicted for Felony Animal Cruelty in Sublette County: A Case Overview
Sublette County law enforcement officials have announced that Cody Roberts has been indicted by a grand jury for felony cruelty to animals, a charge that could result in a two-year prison sentence for the Daniel resident. The grand jury, composed of 12 individuals selected by the 9th District Court, met in August and returned a "true bill" leading to the indictment against Roberts. Sublette County Prosecuting Attorney Clayton Melinkovich was unavailable for immediate comment.
The incident, which sparked global outrage, involved the Wyoming Game and Fish Department responding to an incident on Feb. 29, 2024. Despite the department's stance that wolves are not protected by animal cruelty laws in Wyoming, the grand jury found grounds for the indictment against Roberts. The county attorney had previously expressed disagreement with the Game and Fish Department's handling of the case.
Following the incident, Roberts was fined $250 for possessing the wolf, but the investigating wardens opted not to pursue steeper penalties or court action. The leniency of the penalty drew widespread attention when images of Roberts and the injured wolf circulated online. The subsequent public outcry prompted the Wyoming Legislature to convene a "Treatment of Predators Working Group" to address the issue.
In addition to facing up to two years in prison, felony animal cruelty in Wyoming can result in a fine of up to $5,000. The criminal code specifies that such a felony is committed if an individual knowingly inflicts cruelty, torture, torment, or mutilation on an animal with the intent to cause death or undue suffering. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings in Sublette County.
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