Groups call for change after 'disgusting' killing of injured wolf that was taken to bar

A hot topic of discussion in recent weeks among the country's outdoor recreation community has revolved around the killing of a wolf in Wyoming that's been called "cruel" and "disgusting." It involved a man allegedly chasing a young female wolf down on a snowmobile, running it over, and then taking the severely injured animal to a local bar with its mouth taped shut while it clung to life. After posing for at least one photo with the wolf and keeping it in the bar for a prolonged period of time, the man took it behind the bar and shot it dead.

As might be expected, the February 29 killing in the Wyoming town of Daniel has resulted in quite a bit of criticism, with some calling for changes in Wyoming law that would better protect the species. As it currently stands, the vast majority of Wyoming is considered a 'predatory zone,' in which wolves can be killed with little regulation, including being run down with a snowmobile. Granted, capturing a live wolf and not killing it immediately is illegal, but in this case thus far, the killing has only resulted in a $250 fine.

On April 17, the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action issued a press release in which the opinion on the matter of rancher and veterinarian Dr. Jim Keen was shared. The release addresses Keen's recent appearance at a Wyoming Game and Fish Commission hearing, in which he called on the state of Wyoming to revamp wolf policies under a potential threat of the federal government taking over wolf management.

Here's an excerpt from the press release that features a quote from Keen:

“As a veterinarian, I was disgusted by the cruelty and inhumanity exhibited by Cody Roberts towards a young female wild wolf. It takes no bravery or ability to run down a young female wolf with a 600-pound snowmobile. It only takes a remorseless person who does not understand rural values and notions about the proper treatment of animals,” Dr. Keen said in his testimony. “Rural people know animals, and this is no way to handle a solemn responsibility to treat all animals with respect and to exhibit best practices on animal care.”

“The structure of the existing no-holds-barred approach to wolf killing actually poses a threat to hunting and ranching,” Dr. Keen added. “Wyoming has perhaps the highest prevalence of Chronic Wasting Disease in its deer and elk — an infectious disease I’ve studied — and CWD is the greatest threat to Wyoming deer and elk hunters. Wyoming’s wolves and mountain lions selectively target and kill CWD-infected deer and elk, helping to keep these herds healthy.”

“Wolves are the antidote to CWD. What’s more, extreme and heavy exploitation of Indiscriminate killing of wolves increases livestock depredations by disrupting their social structures,” concluded the former USDA researcher. “Heavy taking of wolves reduces pack sizes, making it more difficult to kill traditional prey, such as elk or moose. This drives these small packs to opt for less traditional prey, such as sheep or calves.”

The press release also included four suggestions when it came to reforming Wyoming's policy on wolves.

1. Ban running down and crushing animals with snowmobiles.
2. Get rid of the 'predator zone' that allows wolves to be killed with little regulation.
3. Prohibit the use of hunting dogs.
4. Ban wire snares and steel-jawed leg hold traps.

The Center for a Humane Economy also offered a $15,000 reward for anyone who provides evidence to law enforcement or prosecutors that leads to the man involved in the recent wolf case being sentenced to at least a year in prison.

The Colorado Sun has since reported that the Sublette County Sheriff's Office has opened an investigation into the killing, on the grounds of potential animal cruelty. Read a report from the Colorado Sun that includes eyewitness testimony here.