The Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action last week issued a payout of $15,000 as a reward to an individual who contributed meaningfully to the successful prosecution of Cody Roberts, convicted of abusing a wolf in Daniel.

The organizations said in a release this payment recognizes an individual “who came forward at great personal risk to assist authorities in securing justice. Without this person’s courage and cooperation, the case against Roberts would likely never have advanced to indictment and conviction.” The organizations are not disclosing the identity of the source.

“Cases like this come to light only when brave individuals step forward,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action. “We’re deeply grateful to the person who stepped forward with crucial information and ensured that justice was served. Without that individual’s willingness to come forward, Cody Roberts may not have been convicted.”

Roberts was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his actions, but that sentence was suspended in favor of probation. That decision by the judge to forgo incarceration for the perpetrator disappointed the groups, who said it was their intention to provide a reward to a cooperating witness only if it led to meaningful time in prison. But, they added, the felony conviction alone was so important and precedent setting that the groups decided to issue a large portion of the maximum reward advertised at the time.

“Roberts’ felony-level conviction for animal cruelty sends a message to everyone in the country that these kinds of abuses against wildlife and other animals are far outside the bounds of normal social behavior in our society,” Pacelle added.

The organizations underscored that the case highlights the urgent need for stronger federal protections, including passage of the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons (SAW) Act, H.R. 6864. The SAW Act prohibits the use of motorized vehicles, particularly snowmobiles — to pursue, harass, or intentionally run down wildlife. The bill is a direct response to the practice of “whacking” or “thumping” in which animals are chased down and rammed or crushed with vehicles. Reps. Val Hoyle, D-Ore., Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., are leading this bipartisan effort.

By making it illegal to weaponize snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles to intentionally attack wildlife, the legislation aims to prevent the kind of acts seen in cases like that of Roberts on federal lands.

Several states, including Colorado, Minnesota, and Oregon — all states with wolf populations and large agricultural production sectors — have policies to prohibit the use of motorized vehicles to chase and run over animals.

“It’s my great hope that Wyoming’s federal and state lawmakers take action in alignment with the overwhelming majority of their constituents and forbid this form of mechanized cruelty to wildlife,” added Pacelle. “The Roberts’ conviction showed us that a grand jury composed of rural Wyoming citizens have no sympathy for this savagery.”

Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy reiterated their commitment to supporting whistleblowers and encouraging the public to report acts of animal cruelty, noting that accountability depends on individuals willing to stand up in the face of wrongdoing.