Target: Mike Johnson, Speaker of U.S. House of Representatives
Goal: Reinstate and strengthen protections for wild wolves vulnerable to acts of cruelty.
A Wyoming man grabbed national headlines when he allegedly ran over a wolf with a snowmobile, paraded the bound animal in a bar, and then killed it. A large outcry resulted after Cody Roberts was initially only levied a fine for the reported cruelty. While he was later indicted and is awaiting trial, Roberts seemingly keeps attempting to avoid punishment…with one of these attempts getting a helping hand from the federal government.
Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove protections for wolves granted under the Endangered Species Act. Roberts’ attorney immediately leapt on the development and moved for charges against Roberts to be dismissed. Fortunately, a judge vetoed the request, and the trial will move forward. Roberts’ legal counsel is also trying to have Roberts’ alleged actions of running over the wolf with the snowmobile and taping the animal’s mouth shut omitted from the trial, which means the jury would not hear this key evidence. But another bill introduced in the House of Representatives – the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act – would make the very act of intentionally striking an animal with a snowmobile illegal. This law, if passed, would not only build a stronger case against Roberts but would also protect other at-risk animals in the future.
Sign the petition below to demand the House rectify its mistake in repealing wolf protections and make amends for this injustice by passing the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Speaker Johnson,
The case of Wyoming’s Cody Roberts – who is charged with gravely injuring a wolf with a snowmobile before reportedly torturing and killing the animal – shines a harsh spotlight on the consequences of the House’s decision to strip away protections for wolves and other predatory animals under the Endangered Species Act. This man, accused of horrific and intentional cruelty, used the House’s removal of protections as leverage to get his case tossed. This shameless ploy might have worked if not for the judge hearing the case dismissing the motion.
Roberts and his legal team may yet succeed in their attempts to suppress the evidence involving the alleged snowmobile strike. But if the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act were to receive a vote and full support, the latest attempt to sidestep justice would likely crumble as well. Pass this important bill for the sake of this fallen animal and for the sake of all animals vulnerable to unchecked exploitation and cruelty. Moreover, stop aiding and abetting would-be abusers and restore full protections for wolves.
The Department of Justice has announced plans to make animal welfare enforcement a priority. Follow their lead and safeguard all living beings.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Sebastian Voortman
