Man Hunting with His Son Accused of Killing a Woman’s Beagle and Chocolate Lab

A man in Indiana has been accused of fatally shooting two neighborhood dogs with a bow and arrow while deer hunting with his son, authorities said.

According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, John Lowe and his son Hayden Lowe have been charged in connection with the deaths of a beagle and a chocolate Labrador retriever.

Officials reported that the pair were hunting deer when the elder Lowe allegedly decided to kill the two pets, as detailed by the South Bend Tribune and WNDU.

Police responded to a call in LaPorte, Indiana, on Oct. 21, after a woman discovered her beagle dead “on a nearby parcel of property” close to her home. The sheriff’s office said the dog “had sustained a fatal injury to the rib cage area.” The woman also told authorities that her chocolate Labrador was missing.

During the investigation, another local hunter informed police that John Lowe was allegedly responsible for the deaths of both dogs. Authorities also learned that Hayden Lowe had disposed of the Labrador’s body at a different location.

The Tribune reported that the witness heard the dogs moving in the woods, followed by whimpering and loud yelps. Soon after, he encountered John Lowe, who allegedly said he and his son were looking for a place to discard the dogs’ remains.

Police said John later confessed to shooting and killing the animals during questioning.

John Lowe, 58, has been charged with two felony counts — killing a domestic animal and obstruction of justice. His son, Hayden Lowe, 22, faces a felony charge of obstruction of justice.

Both men were released on cash bond, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.