Sent: 6/19 before the group’s first meeting

Dear Representative Storer,

I am urging you to take meaningful action to address Wyoming’s inadequate animal protection laws after the gross mistreatment of a young wolf by Cody Roberts. His actions are the result of Wyoming’s lax cruelty laws that allow people to abuse predatory animals with minimal punishment. 

I understand that you are leading a committee with conservative members who may want to dig in their heels. However now is the time to move forward — with the eyes of the nation upon Wyoming. From conversations I’ve had with Wyoming residents, the majority do not condone violence and view Cody Roberts as an aberration.

Below are some key points I hope you will share with committee members.

– Tourism is major source of income for your state. This is a PR nightmare and not doing anything will make it worse.

– If a Wyoming doesn’t increase fines and punishment for animal cruelty of predators, it will motivate advocates to push even harder for relisting wolves as endangered. I believe most of you do not want federal intervention.

–  on the other hand, if Wyoming is able to demonstrate that they do take the Cody Roberts incident seriously, the focus may shift to other states or other causes. 

– this is NOT a black or white issue. You can continue to hunt wolves, just not with extreme methods. You can keep the predator zones but make animal cruelty laws applicable to wolves and other predators.

This would be such a simple issue to fix if you can set aside extreme views from either side. sincerely hope you can use your position for good. 

Sincerely,

[name]

https://nohorseleftbehind.wordpress.com/2024/04/23/dear-citizens-of-wyoming/

Dear residents of Wyoming, part 2