Wyoming Wildlife Advocates & Jackson Hole Bear Solutions

IF YOU WANT JUSTICE FOR THE WOLF THAT WAS TORTURED, READ ON:


If you have been wondering why you haven't heard from us yet on the wolf that was run over with a snowmobile and then tortured and used for cruel entertainment, it's because we have been leading the charge for accountability from public officials and the call for change. We are working non-stop around the clock with other state, regional, and national groups to end this suffering for animals in Wyoming. The senseless killing of this young wolf, who was run over by a snowmobile, had his mouth taped shut and then paraded through a local bar, has shocked and appalled people around the country and the world. This egregious act of cruelty cannot be tolerated, and we will not rest until Wyoming enacts robust laws to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again. No animal should have to suffer such a fate, and we are committed to fighting tirelessly to ensure that Wyoming's wildlife are safeguarded and treated with the dignity and compassion they deserve. The time for action is NOW. We are calling on state agency officials and lawmakers to take immediate steps to close the loopholes that allowed this heinous act to occur.


We are pursuing all avenues. We won't stop until it is illegal to chase and run over any animal with a snowmobile. We have developed a strategic plan to create lasting change and we aren't slowing down until our goals are accomplished. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) issued a statement that cited all the reasons why they couldn't do anything else in this horrific case. What they need to do now is do everything they can to ensure this won't happen again and their hands are not tied in animal abuse cases.


In 2019, a bill was brought by our friends at Wyoming Untrapped and Representative Mike Yin from Teton County to try and outlaw running over animals with snowmobiles. It was thrown out and didn't even make it out of committee. Let's make sure that doesn't happen again. The WGF Commission and WGFD, along with Governor Gordon, have the responsibility to ensure legislation is introduced and passed in 2025 that will lead to outlawing cruelty for all Wyoming wildlife.


Many people are reaching out to ask what they can do to help. We have something for you. Next Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16 & 17, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is meeting in Riverton at the Holiday Inn. This meeting did not originally include any topics on animal cruelty or running over animals with snowmobiles. However, upon contacting the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission President, Richard Ladwig said, "I am as disturbed about this as anybody should be" and indicated the Commission would be now be discussing this at their April meeting.


We know you are outraged, angry, and saddened. We are too. Comments are best when they come from the heart and are short and to the point. The Commissioners have it in their ability to do something about this lawlessness by working with the Wyoming legislature. Please be polite and respectful in your comments and keep them succinct. Let the Commission know why this is important to you, even if you don't live in Wyoming. Whether you can be there virtually or in person, please show up and speak for those without a voice.


READ MORE FROM WYOFILE HERE

AND THIS FROM THE COWBOY STATE DAILY HERE


IMPORTANT: IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND VIA ZOOM, YOU MUST SUMBIT A FORM TO SPEAK AHEAD OF TIME BY 5:00 THURSDAY, APRIL 11. THE FORM IS BELOW AND HAS TO BE EMAILED TO WGF COMMISSION CLERK TONI BELL AT TONI.BELL2@WYO.GOV


WHAT: Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday, April 17 - 8:00am - 12:30pm

WHERE: Holiday Inn in Riverton, Wyoming at 900 East Sunset Drive

FOR REMOTE ACCESS TO MEETING CLICK HERE

WE SENT THE FOLLOWING LETTER TO THE SUBLETTE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND COUNTY ATTORNEY


With much assistance from legal minds at a national organization, we sent this letter to the Sublette County authorities pointing out that we don't think predators are exempt from the Wyoming animal cruelty statute. We asked the County Attorney and the Sheriff to take another look at the statute and to open an investigation into the actions that occurred that day. In an article from WyoFile, the County Attorney was quoted as saying, "These [animal cruelty] statutes are very unclear all the way across." The Sublette County Prosecutor replied to us and did say that he acknowledges that the cruelty statute can in some circumstances apply to predatory animals. That is definitely a win and a huge step in the right direction. We will follow up and let you know if there is further action to take.

REWARD OFFERED FOR PHOTOS OR VIDEO OF THE HORRIFIC TORTURE IN DANIEL AT THE GREEN RIVER BAR


We are aware there are photos and video of the torture that occurred at the Green River Bar on February 29. If you have any information that could help law enforcement bring additional charges, please contact Wolves of the Rockies at info@wolvesoftherockies.org.

SUBLETTE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE OPENS INVESTIGATION


This afternoon, the Sublette County Sheriff's Office issued a release stating,


"The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating an incident involving a wolf that occurred back on February, 29th of this year. The Sheriff’s Office did not receive any complaints from the public until news of the incident went viral early last week. 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. As this is an active investigation, we will not be able to release any details at this time."


Please do not make additional phone calls to the Sheriff or Prosecutor at this time. Let them conduct their investigation. If you have any additional information about the case, they are asking you to do so by calling their tip line 307-212-5108 or sending an email to sheriffinfo@sublettecountywy.gov.


This is an excellent step toward getting justice for this soul who was tortured and tormented with unimaginable cruelty. We are appreciative that the Sheriff's Office and Sublette County Prosecutor are taking the necessary steps to find the whole truth of what happened on February 29 and to hold the Mr. Roberts and anyone who was an accomplice accountable.


READ MORE HERE AND HERE

WYOMING WOLF TORTURE INCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS NEED TO DRASTICALLY REFORM STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT


In a press release issued by WWA, Wildlife for All, Wolves of the Rockies, Hunters and Anglers for Wildlife Management Reform, Wyoming Untrapped, and The Large Carnivore Fund, we illustrate how this is not a one-off problem but rather is indicative of a systemic issue with wildlife management in Wyoming and the U.S.


"The incident reveals fundamental problems with the way Wyoming and many other states manage wildlife. The lack of protection for wolves and other carnivores encourages this type of cruel behavior. We are calling on Wyoming and other states to make fundamental changes to wildlife policy to prevent such incidents from happening again."


READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

TRAPPING ALSO TO BE DISCUSSED AT COMMISSION MEETING


Trapping reform is on the agenda for this Commission meeting. If you would like to speak to the Commission about mandatory trapper education and that traps should be set back from public trails, then ask to speak about that item also. It is topic #9 on the agenda.


Please visit the Wyoming Untrapped website and follow their social media for more info.

SEND A LIFE SAVING GIFT HERE

Photo Credits:

SCSO Media Release: Sublette County Sheriff's Office

Fox Portrait: John McIlvaine Photography

Yellowstone Wolf: Julie Argyle Wild Love Images

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