Wyoming Man Sentenced to Jail for Laughing While Filming Moose Abuse

A former Wyoming livestock inspector has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for laughing while filming the abuse of a sickly moose, a punishment that defied a prior plea agreement. Justin Martin, 55, received the sentence from Judge James Kaste on Friday, along with an increase in his supervised probation from two to three years.

"Wildlife of Wyoming belongs to the people of Wyoming," Kaste stated at the sentencing. "You do this kind of nonsense in Wyoming, where we value our wildlife, you're going to jail."

Martin and two others, his son Range Martin, 24, and Kylan Platt, 23, had faced felony cruelty to animals charges. They had all agreed to a plea deal over the summer that did not include jail time.

Prosecutors stated that in May 2021, Range Martin lassoed a moose, described as unhealthy and possibly blind, and dragged it through brush until it collapsed. In a separate incident, Platt reportedly roped, rode, and spurred another moose on the Martin's 5,000-acre ranch. Justin Martin was accused of encouraging Platt's actions by laughing and filming the event, saying, "Alright now, spur that son of a b***h... spur on him."

Justin Martin, who had served as a state livestock inspector for 16 years, later shared the video and commented, "Looks like he was ran down a little. That's good s**t. Not many kids can say they have rode a moose."

Attorneys for the younger Martin and Platt argued that the moose were interfering with ranch operations and that the animals were not as sickly as investigators suggested. Platt's lawyer also noted that his client was 17 at the time of the incident and acted impulsively. Range Martin stated he was "sorry for what I did" and vowed never to repeat such actions.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Game Warden Heather Sterling refuted the defense's account, stating that her review of the footage showed no cattle nearby and no fences in the vicinity, contradicting the claim that the moose were being moved.

Governor Mark Gordon had previously called Martin's behavior "absolutely irresponsible" and "unbecoming of a brand inspector."

At his sentencing, Justin Martin apologized for his actions, acknowledging he was the adult responsible. He also noted that he had made two $3,750 donations to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Wildlife Damages and Wildlife Crossing funds as restitution.

Ultimately, the judge sentenced Range Martin and Kylan Platt to three years of supervised probation, allowing them to avoid felony convictions under a state law for first-time offenders who remain out of trouble. All three men were also ordered to complete 576 hours of community service. Judge Kaste acknowledged that the three men were likely upstanding individuals for the majority of the time but had made significant mistakes.