RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) -Two national animal protection groups are urging Congress to pass legislation to ban using snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles to chase or harm wildlife on federal lands.
The push follows a February 2024 case in Wyoming involving Cody Roberts. Roberts ran down a young gray wolf with a snowmobile, taped its mouth shut, leashed it, and brought it into a bar, according to authorities. The wounded animal remained for hours before Roberts took the wolf outside and killed it.
Animal Wellness Action said the case shows there is a national consensus that Congress should act. The group wants Wyoming lawmakers to lead the push.
The organization is backing a bill called the SAW Act, which stands for Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons.
Animal Wellness Actions President Wayne Pacelle said, “We have a bill in Congress called the SAW act, snowmobiles aren’t weapons, and we want to pass a ban on intentionally and maliciously running over wildlife, with a snowmobile or other motorized vehicles. South Dakota’s congressional delegation and the Wyoming delegation are crucial in getting that legislation moving.”
Roberts was sentenced this week to 18 months’ probation. He was ordered to pay more than $1,400 in fines and court fees.
For more information about Animal Wellness Action, click here.
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