On Wednesday, February 25, the Wyoming man, Cody Roberts, 42, accused of torturing and dragging a muzzled wolf into a bar in a heartbreaking demonstration of animal cruelty, reached a plea agreement to resolve his felony case.
As recorded and filed in the Sublette County District Court, Roberts agreed to withdraw his previous “not guilty” plea and enter “guilty or no contest” to a single county of felony animal cruelty. The agreement cancelled the jury trial scheduled to begin in early March 2026.
In August, 2025, a grand jury in Wyoming indicted Roberts, who allegedly struck a wolf with his snowmobile, taped its muzzle shut and paraded it into a bar before taking it outside to kill it.
According to WyoFile.com, the shocking photo of Roberts smiling while raising a can of beer, holding the live wolf taped up around his mouth, shocked both the community and the country. The photo sparked disgust and a petition circulated demanding Roberts face felony animal cruelty charge. In addition, another photo (above) openly mocked the disturbing abuse.
In April 2024, Cody Roberts paid a $250 fine for the illegal possession of wildlife, however he never faced charges of animal cruelty as investigators could not find cooperative witnesses. The laws in Wyoming listed multiple reasons people can legally kill a wolf. Because of the widespread outrage, however, investigations were later able to find enough evidence and presented it to the 12 person grand jury charging Roberts with felony animal cruelty.
The plea deal on Wednesday requires final approval from Judge Richard Lavery who has the authority to accept or reject the terms. Roberts is expected to face 18 months of probation and a $1,000 fine. During that time, he would not be permitted to hunt, fish, drink alcohol or enter bars. In addition, he would also need to meet mandatory compliance with recommended addiction treatment.
If Roberts violates his probation, he could face up to two years in prison and face additional fines up to $4,000.
Sadly, it’s too late for the wolf, but hopefully it will protect other wildlife from similar abuse and outright cruelty.
Read prior coverage here and here.
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