UPDATE: January 20, 2025. The 2025 Legislature is currently in session.
- Pass a law that will criminalize the motorized killing of wildlife.
- Amend the Wyoming cruelty statutes. Confirm that all wildlife are included in the list of protected animals and that the behaviors exhibited in the Daniel, WY case, such as capture of an injured animal, torture, and torment of wildlife, are prohibited. This includes trapping and snaring.
Wyoming wildlife is not protected from torture and cruelty
Your Voice Matters
Cruelty to all Wyoming wildlife should be outlawed.
Wyoming Untrapped stands against unethical and torturous practices. All wildlife should be treated with dignity and respect.The Treatment of Predators Working Group is a subcommittee established in response to the cruel incident involving the torture of a wolf in Daniel, Wyoming, in February of this year. The group aimed to address wildlife and predator laws, or rather the lack thereof, in Wyoming. Despite recent meetings, the group has yet to commit to prohibiting the use of vehicles to chase, injure, torture, and kill wildlife. Additionally, the group did not propose legislation addressing the urgent need for updated wildlife treatment regulations. The Treatment of Predators Working Group’s task has now ended.
Please contact the members of the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee (TRW) before the next meeting and politely request the ban on the use of snowmobiles to chase and kill wildlife. Let them know that legislation concerning wildlife cruelty needs critical updates. Wyoming’s reputation is at stake, and it’s time to include diverse input, and to take decisive action. Wildlife deserve dignity and respect.
Take action by:
- Reading the backstory below
- Contacting the TRW Committee — contact information below
- Learning more about the Treatment of Predators Working Group
- Reading the suggested talking points below
Backstory of Wyoming wildlife "whacking" and intolerable cruelty
There is good news! The chorus of voices calling for a cruelty-free and humane Wyoming is getting louder and gaining momentum.
Twelve years ago (2012), Wyoming Untrapped was founded due to the wolf delisting and the designation of a predator zone in over 85% of the state, allowing hunting and killing in any manner every day of the year. This was unimaginable! We soon learned about the brutal reality of trapping, snaring, gut-shots, running over animals to death with snowmobiles, and other torturous legal-take actions. Our pets were being cruelly injured and killed in mounting numbers on our public trails. And, wildlife were exposed to cruelty statewide. We continue to advocate for protecting ALL wildlife, small and large, from our state’s unconscionable cruelty caused by wildlife management and the lack of wildlife protection laws.
In 2020, following a disturbing video displayed publicly showing coyote whacking in Wyoming: the legal chasing, harassing, and brutally running over a coyote with a snowmobile until its death, we took action. We submitted a draft legislative bill via Representative Mike Yin and Senator Mike Gireau to restrict this gruesome activity. The bill did not make it to a committee, but we requested to be heard by the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources (TRW) committee. We presented it to the committee, but no action was taken. The 90-member legislature turned away from addressing this horrendous issue. There was more work to be done.
*HOPE by @HelenSeayArt
We need your voice now more than ever!
This past March, another brutal whacking event in Wyoming, followed by an unimaginable public display of torture of a young wolf, has kicked off a nationwide uproar to protect our wild animals from such gruesome human-caused mortality. Since this wolf torture in Daniel, the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources (TRW) accepted the issue to address possible law changes in 2025. The Treatment of Predators Working Group was formed to discuss the issue and report back to the TRW committee.
The Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources (TRW) subcommittee met on Tuesday, June 25 to discuss the use of snowmobiles to chase down and kill predators. Despite Governor Mark Gordon making the remark, “I don’t think there’s any reason why people need to run over animals,” and urging the committee to review laws around the use of snowmobiles, representatives felt that a ban could not be put in place. Some representatives felt that running down predators with snowmobiles should remain legal. The argument presented here is that the central ethical question for the working group to tackle is probably how quickly a predator is killed, not the method that’s used to kill it.
The group didn’t take any formal action. However, the consensus was that the best approach is to recommend adding language to state statutes requiring predators to be killed quickly. Or, that people who are trying to kill predators should take reasonable steps to quickly finish off wounded animals and not allow prolonged suffering.
The group met again in Casper, Wyoming, on July 9 and 10 where the potential for a new predator cruelty bill was discussed. The Treatment of Predators Working Group will met again on September 30, to review the draft legislation, finalized the draft bill with admendents and submitted to the TRW during its September 30 meeting in Cheyenne. This bill does not move forward to end the act of running over an animal by vehicular means or include cruelty to all wildlife. We will continue to advocate for the end of wildlife cruelty in Wyoming, including significant changes to trapping and snaring laws and regulations.
*Coyote Pup by @KarenHanson
TAKE ACTION – NEXT STEP
The Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee
Despite the huge public outcry, Wyoming plans to give this abhorrent practice official legal protection.
This bill cannot pass out of committee; it must be returned. Elected officials need to listen to our voices and end this cruel practice. Use the talking points below to email the members of the Wyoming Legislature’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee. Please use your own words and stay respectful. We want to be heard and not ignored.
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee
• Consideration of Bill Draft
o 25LSO-0140v.07, Animal abuse-predatory animals
AN ACT relating to crimes and offenses; providing for a new
criminal offense of cruelty to animals; increasing the
maximum fine for a misdemeanor first offense cruelty to
animals conviction; authorizing game and fish law
enforcement to enforce the criminal provisions of cruelty
to animals; specifying applicability; and providing for an
effective date.
o Luke Plumb, Staff Attorney, LSO
o Public Comment
o Committee Directives
For Wyoming residents: Please inform your Wyoming legislators that current statutes regarding the treatment of predators do not align with the values of Wyoming residents. Reach out to your Wyoming representative or senator by email, phone, letter, or personal meeting. Every effort counts!
Let’s pass a law that will criminalize the motorized killing of wildlife and amend the Wyoming cruelty statutes. Confirm that all wildlife are included in the list of protected animals and that the behaviors exhibited in the Daniel, WY case, such as capture of an injured animal, torture, and torment of wildlife, are prohibited.
See more details and talking points below.
Contact Lists
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources (TRW)
Co-chair Senator:
Bill.Landen@wyoleg.gov
307-259-4194
Co-chair Representative:
Andrew.Byron@wyoleg.gov
307-690-2767
Senators:
Brian.Boner@wyoleg.gov
307-359-0707
Larry.Hicks@wyoleg.gov
307-383-7192
Stacey Jones@wyoleg.gov
307-371-8182
Wendy.Schuler@wyoleg.gov
307-679-6774
Representatives:
Andrew.Byron@wyoleg.gov
307-690-2767
Elissa.Campbell@wyoleg.gov
307-277-4782
Karlee.Provenza@wyoleg.gov Democrat
307-922-0202
Marilyn.Connolly@wyoleg.gov
307-217-0345
Liz.Storer@wyoleg.gov Democrat
307-421-4711
Steve.Harshman@wyoleg.gov
307-262-8075
Julie.Jarvis@wyoleg.gov
307-670-0202
Pam.Thayer@wyoleg.gov
307-xxx-xxxx
Bob.Wharff@wyoleg.gov
307-799-8944
Additional Contacts:
Governor Mark Gordon:
Governor@wyo.gov
307-777-7434
Sara Direnzo, Governor’s Office: Sara.Dirienzo1@wyo.gov
Director-elect WGFD: Angela.Bruce@wyo.gov
Wyoming Game and Fish Commission
President: Richard.Ladwig@wyo.gov
Vice President: Mark.Jolovich@wyo.gov
Kenneth.Roberts@wyo.gov
Ashlee.Lundvall@wyo.gov
John.Masterson@wyoboards.gov
Rusty.Bell@wyoboards.gov
Ralph Brokaw@wyoboards.gov
Please get in touch with any questions: info@WyomingUntrapped.org
Talking Points
How should you say it? We offer talking points to help you compose your comments in your own words.
Why is brutal cruelty permitted to any wild animal in Wyoming?
- It’s time to bring an end to animal cruelty in Wyoming in the following ways:
- Pass a law that will criminalize the motorized killing of wildlife.
- Amend the Wyoming cruelty statutes. Confirm that all wildlife are included in the list of protected animals and that the behaviors exhibited in the Daniel, WY case, such as capture of an injured animal, torture, and torment of wildlife, are prohibited.
- Killing wild animals with vehicles goes against the ethical standards laid out by the North American Wildlife Model and directly violates fair chase, respect for, and humane killing of wild animals. In any other situation, this behavior would receive a felony animal cruelty charge. Predatory species in Wyoming still deserve protection from abuse, and no animal, whether domestic or wild, deserves to be treated with such outrageous aggression, brutality, and violence. (provided by @wildlifefor all)
- We are shocked to learn that after the immense public outcry over the treatment of the wolf Cody Roberts ran over with a snowmobile this past February, the Treatment of Predators Working Group isn’t recommending legislation to end this practice. (provided by @wildlifeforall)
- Please reject any bill that continues the practice of running over wildlife with snowmobiles and other vehicles. People across the state and from our entire nation agreed that the circumstances under which the wolf was captured and killed in February were inhumane. Wildlife watchers, hunters, and the public all agree: this isn’t a fair chase, this isn’t management — it’s animal cruelty, and it needs to end. (provided by @wildlifeforall)
- No animal deserves to be tortured and suffer that kind of prolonged pain before death.
- Written public comments discussed the paramount concern that animal welfare and the mistreatment of animals go against the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation:
- There is a need for responsible predator management for agricultural and wildlife management purposes.
- An overview of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation shows a difference between legitimate predator management activities for agriculture and wildlife management. Other activities are legal under Wyoming law but go against the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation tenets.
- There is concern over the lack of fair chase for animals, particularly in running down an animal with a mechanized machine that can exceed the speeds of most animals or at speeds an animal cannot sustain.
- Concern over the possession and transport of an injured animal instead of putting it down humanely and the subsequent public display of a live and injured animal.
- A core issue is the lack of decency and respect for wildlife.
- The Working Group must seek ways to discriminate between certain behaviors that should or should not be legal under Wyoming law regarding predator management.
- Torture should never be involved in protecting livestock or hunting.
- At the Wyoming Sportsperson Conference in Dubois, Governor Gordon stated, “I don’t think there’s any reason why people need to run over animals.” We don’t either!
- Running over any animal with a snowmobile or other vehicular means should result in strict punishment.
- Urge the working group and the TRW committee to continue addressing the cruelty issue and vehicular killing of wildlife. It is wrong, and the public overwhelmingly favors changing Wyoming laws to restrict it.
- This behavior undermines the traditions and values of humane treatment in Wyoming.
- ALL wildlife, including furbearers and non-game animals, should be protected from brutal cruelty. This includes protections from barbaric trapping and snaring.
- Please do the right thing, address animal cruelty, and create a humane Wyoming!
- In 2020, following a disturbing video displayed publicly showing coyote whacking in Wyoming: the legal chasing, harassing, and brutally running over a coyote with a snowmobile until its death, WU submitted a draft legislative bill via Representative Mike Yin and Senator Mike Gireau to restrict this gruesome activity. The bill did not make it to a committee:
- WU sent all 90 legislators a copy of the whacking video. This recent incident is not a one-up but has been happening for decades.
- This is a common winter activity in certain districts of the state.
- It has been five years since the legislature has been publicly aware of this activity, it is time for our state laws to change.
- A recent poll of Wyoming voters conducted by the Humane Society of the U.S. found:
- 71% of voters, including majorities across all political parties and ideologies, believe the actions in the wolf incident are animal cruelty.
- Across the board, an average of 3-in-4 Wyoming residents believe that it is not acceptable to use snowmobiles to kill animals classified as “predators” in Wyoming. This includes wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackrabbits, porcupines, raccoons, and domestic cats, which are classified as “stray” by the state.
- A majority of voters (58%), including majorities across all major media markets in the state, would support changing the law to prohibit snowmobiles from pursuing, striking, injuring, and killing wolves and other previously mentioned animals.
- A 2024 national survey conducted by Colorado State University’s Animal Human Policy
Center, in collaboration with Project Coyote, explored U.S. public perspectives on a
range of animal protection issues. The survey examined support for key animal welfare
policies that are currently being discussed by policy-makers and stakeholders nationwide,
including multiple issues related to wildlife and wild carnivore killing. A summary of key
findings are included below as well as a link to the full report:
- 85% support for a federal law specifying cruelty towards wildlife is a criminal violation.
- 80% support for banning purposefully running over wild carnivores with vehicles.
- For all case studies examined, the majority of respondents somewhat or strongly agreed with all potential proposed state or federal policies to reduce human-caused animal suffering.
- More than 75% of respondents somewhat or strongly supported most proposed state or federal policies supporting animal welfare, and support for related state policies was typically slightly higher than for federal policies.
Nancy Yeats
Absolutely Inhumane and Evil, but humans are the most inhumane of all creatures. The people in power don’t want this to stop because they are a part of the problem. The only way to get this changed is for people to boycott Wyoming as a state and boycott Wyoming businesses.
I will never go to Wyoming as long as this atrocity continues
Diane
And we call ourselves civilized…humans are the most vile creatures that exist on this planet. This cruelty inflicted on our wildlife by these human barbarians speaks of their obvious mental illness and their own feelings of inadequacy.
Holly Getzfreid
I am a Wyoming Resident born and raised.. And this disgusts me. This is absolutely animal abuse, and unnecessary.. it does not matter that these are wild animals or pets, they are living beings. They may be preditors and pests, however it’s in their nature.. it does NOT constitute terrorizing an animal. If doing away with it is necessary then shoot it. People that participate in heinous act should never own animals, be charged, and have hunting privileges revoked for life. It is not sportsman like, it is very much a cowardice act, and inhumane. Do better and be better human beings..
Mary Jean Karchefsky
I will never visit Wyoming because of the time that Cody Robert’s disgusting behavior. I cannot believe that you allow torture in your state of Wyoming. Disgusting and very sick that you people do not care !!! #boycott Wyoming. Absolutely disgusting
Wendy Hale
I COMPLETELY AGREE! #boycottwyoming
#neverforgotten
Cody Gascho
Every animal deserves to live, endangered species or not. Animals were here before us and will be here long after us if we protect them. Stop unwanted killing and illegal killing. I live in Ontario, Canada and I want all animals around the world to be protected.
Maria Smith
End the slaughter of all innocent animals!
Christine Stegne
Please stop killing wolves. They are important to keeping the balance in nature. Thank you.
Nage Kaushik
As Americans, we cannot allow this despicable behavior and shameful behavior to continue. Political differences aside, we all care for fair and compassionate treatment of our wild animals in our various National Parks. I always wanted to visit Wyoming and we must take action against sick people like Cody Roberts, must ensure that such incidents don’t happen again.
M Leybra
We have a Dept of the Interior w/ an Indian maiden @ the helm, Deb Hahaland overseeing a USF&W Service w/ another presidentially-appointed female, Martha Williams (Ex Montana F&W head-appointee) @ the helm) & how is it that either of these U.S. govt. entities have NOTHING to say over how U.S. wildlife is treated by each state that passes laws allowing sport hunters to deliberately run over wildlife w/ motorized vehicles?
By directions for public to contact lawmakers bear in mind that a ‘minority’ of public is interested in the fate of wildlife as they go about their daily life. Public interest in wildlife is ‘mostly limited’ to those who enjoy killing them & save animals orgs. In Montana, please note that the whole state govt. is run by wildlife predator hunters (killers) INCL the Gov. Gianforte who had a wolf trapped for him, to be able to have the pleasure to shoot.
So year after year remains the same “Save the Wolves, etc.” orgs ask for donations & for the public to POLITELY contact state lawmakers waiting for the next gruesome torture killing publicity. If this kind of animal cruelty isn’t a U.S. ‘national issue’ I don’t know what is & it will likely take YEARS to figure that out, while this national shame continues. China may eat dogs but don’t think they run over wildlife w/ snowmobiles but maybe yes.
Mrs. T Benson
It is imperative that all wild animals be protected from cruel and inhumane harm ie; being killed by any moving motirized vehicle, and they must live free from any harmful action that threatens it’s survival.
The perfect balance of Nature maintains the survival of the healthiest and strongest of all wildlife and therefore we must protect ensure all wildlife remains protected.
Any forceful or detrimental action against wolves and other wild predators must be treated with the the highest legal punishment.
There’s no other way to describe harmful behavior against wildlife except that’s it’s animal cruelty
Nicole Dechape
I am 100 percent on board.
As an active conservationist I follow major wildlife issues within our country.
I am appalled and dismayed that there are no ramifications for this recent event.
I was involved in a wolf rescue in Paso Robles, for years before the owner passed.
Wolves are not only beautiful animals, They are such an important part of our ecosystem and should be protected.
Yellowstone is a prime example of how their reintroduction saved the environment.
We have laws preventing humans from murdering other humans and abusing their own animals why wouldn’t there be a law preventing this kind of brutality to another living creature.
Thank God we have biologists, conversationist and just good human beings who are a positive force in this world fighting against this kind of thing.
I will do as much as I can to spread the word and will not be supporting the state of Wyoming until this is resolved.
We may all be one person but together we can make a big impact.
You will lose if you ignore your community. People will stop coming to visit and there go your profits.
It’s only a matter of time with enough people involved these beautiful states like Montana and Wyoming will wake up and protect their wildlife, Which your visitors, who you depend on, come to see. They will be forced to change if they want to continue profiting from us.
Patrizia Stranieri
Killing wolves means to ignore
that they kill to survive and they represent an important ring in the food chain in our habitat Humans on the contrary kill for their sake and for Money and represent a real danger for ecosystem balance
Melissa Corsi
I truly believe practices of using any type of vehicle and/or machinery to track down and injure or kill an animal should be outlawed by now. Animals that are living their lives and animals that were here long before humans and the advent of vehicles should have a right to life. There is no legitimate or humane argument to the opposite.
There is concern over the lack of fair chase for animals, particularly in running down an animal with a mechanized machine that can exceed the speeds of most animals or at speeds an animal cannot sustain.
Please have forward thinking in this matter and recognize and consider these wild animals lives’.
Thank you
SCOTT Giblin
Wolves are the smartest group of animals in Yellowstone. The presence of these family oriented animals in the wild are key to sustaining the delicate balance of nature.
We must do everything to make sure they are not hunted to extinction, and once again destroying the Yellowstone ecosystem and thus depriving us and nature of this noble beast.
Protect the wolves.
Amanda Robertson
As People, as Human beings that coexist with Nature on our planet we cannot allow this despicable and shameful behavior to continue. Regardless of political, social/economical differences, we all care for fair and compassionate treatment of the wild animals across North America. I have always wanted to visit Wyoming but I no longer do and never will for the atrocities that regularly occur there turn my stomach. We must take action against sick people like Cody Roberts, and ensure that such incidents never happen again. What he did that day is exactly the kind of behaviour that every person should be against because This is about the Wolves, but tomorrow it could be something else. None of it is acceptable and as people we know better and It it s our responsibility to do better. Please make changes and hold accountability’s to acts of unimaginable cruelty for amusements. It’s disgusting and shameful. Wolves kill because they have to, these Humans only do so for pleasure and resentment often not even to the offender.
In this day and age of the year 2024, that behaviour and mindset is no longer good enough and should be no longer acceptable by anyone at any time.
Mary Caton
STOP KILLING THE WOLVES WE NEED THEM FOR THE BIODIVERSITY
Cee
I don’t really know what to say. This heinous act of this man is beyond comprehension. For the state of Wyoming to allow our wildlife to be treated with such lack of respect is dreadful. We, as a state must make sure this never happens again. If our legislators don’t act on this then we need to elect people who will make sure this won’t be tolerated in the future
Kathryn
Stop interfering with wild animals.
Prevent killing of wolves now.
Tony Martino
Let nature be Leave them alone
Maria Hayworth
Anyone involved with the intentional killing of the Wolf Population, must be held responsible for their cruelty and vicious acts. We need to make those involved in such acts, know that this is not an acceptable behavior, nor will we tolerate this, or any other acts of cruelty towards the Wolf Population.
Maria Hayworth
Anyone involved with the intentional killing of the Wolf Population, must be held responsible and accountable for their cruelty and vicious acts. We need to make those involved in such acts, know that this is not an acceptable behavior, nor will we tolerate this, or any other acts of cruelty towards the Wolf Population, or of any other Wildlife. I Stand For 🐺
Wolf Paws
Absolutely senseless Actions by a small group of humans who think we should still be living in the Wild West Era Earth Years 1800s! News Flash Whyoming Representatives the Earth Year is (NOW)2024 and with non leathal means and measures for Farmer’s and Ranchers starting to come of age and they work ! Time to accept there is no real reason to hunt Gray Wolf’s at (All) Now if you must hunt Gray Wolf’s with a Snowmobile thats (POACHING) or other means,then your state borders and city’s are NOT being over run with Gray Wolf’s your the one looking to hunt Gray Wolf’s, shame on YOU ! Gray Wolf’s are Planet Earths Best Eco Systems Mangers there is a perfect way to keep them confined to the forrest! (ALL) are wonderful Dogs came Directly from the Wolf Species, Make Gray Wolf management make common sense Just Hunting the Gray Wolf’s is not a very good way to manage this Species that is so important to Planet Earth!
Mona
I can not believe this state would allow this type of behavior towards innocent wildlife. They are not bothering anyone. Let the wildlife live their lives in peace.
Karalee avelli
the earth need these animals to keep the balance of nature. these are sacred animals not to be killed for fun or to steal their habitat for greed .
pamela j slosson
totally uncalled for = this needs to be stopped
Craig Downer
How sadistic to willfully torture and kill these natural predators. This kind of behavior does not belong in America or anywhere else, for that matter!
Ivy
Wolves are extremely intelligent, highly social creatures who think and feel like we do. They mate for life and raise, protect, and nurture their pups until they’re old enough to be on their own. Wolves are no different than our companion animals–dogs. Without wolves, dogs wouldn’t exist. We should thank the wolf, appreciate the wolf, and respect the wolf.
But instead, we torture the wolf. Hate them. Fear them. Men like Cody find pleasure in their suffering. There is NO ethical reason to torment or berate ANY living creature for the sake of your entertainment or joy.
Running animals over via motorized vehicles is extremely inhumane and usually results in broken limbs, bones, and often leaves the animal with internal bleeding. Is this the way to treat America’s iconic, social, family-oriented wolf? I wouldn’t think so.
Please treat wolves and ALL creatures with the respect and compassion that they deserve.
Karalee avelli
WOLVES KEEP NATURE IN BALANCE THIS SICKENING TEATMENT OF RUNING OVER WOLVES WITH A SNOWMOBILE BECAUSE ITS NOT LISTED AS A WEAPON IS INSANE ,.THESE HUNTERS ate not real hunters. they’re a bunch of assholes who hate on animals. real hunters have respect for the animal and use all parts. not just to kill for fun ,
Paul Ramos
Our eco system has been so compromised due to mans arrogance and greed. It is time that were reverse this trend and begin to put energy into restoration and coexistence with Mother Nature and all her wildlife. Wolves, coyotes, bears, etc. all serve a vital role in the wild. They must be respected and protected. NOT a single person, business or industry should be allowed to eradicate any living being for “population control” which honestly translates to, “this animal is in my way of profiting….” Well, that is not an acceptable reason. Mother Nature is King. Protect wildlife.