A hunting trip in Indiana took a devastating turn when a man’s dog was shot and killed. Now, he’s demanding justice and warning others about the risks hunters and their dogs may face.

Hunting Trip Ends in Tragedy

Tyler Steury had no idea his day of coyote hunting would end in heartbreak. On February 2, he set out with his two hounds, tracking game through Steuben County’s rural landscape. His older dog chased after a coyote, while his younger hound, 11-month-old Ralf, veered off in another direction.

Moments later, Steury checked his Garmin tracker and saw that Ralf had stopped moving. He tried calling the dog back, using a training signal he had used countless times before. But this time, there was no response.

Then, a man’s voice rang out from a nearby house. According to Steury, the homeowner made it clear what had happened—but not in words suitable for television. His young hunting dog had been shot.

Arrest and Investigation Reveal a Troubling Pattern

Steury immediately contacted the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. After an hour, a deputy arrived and led him to Ralf’s body, which lay on the homeowner’s property.

The man accused of pulling the trigger, 56-year-old David Diehl, was arrested on March 26. He now faces a level 6 felony charge for killing a domestic animal.

A police report obtained by 21Alive raises further concerns. Investigators say Diehl admitted to shooting the dog, but his account of the incident has inconsistencies. Even more troubling, records suggest this isn’t the first time he’s been accused of shooting a dog that wandered onto his land.

A Community Outraged

Steury’s case has sparked widespread outrage, especially among hunters and dog owners. Many believe that while property rights are important, taking the life of an innocent animal is an extreme and unjustified response.

• Steury acknowledges the issue of trespassing, stating, “If you want to give me a trespassing ticket, I’ll pay my ticket, but don’t point-blank shoot the dog.”
• Supporters argue that hunting dogs don’t understand property lines and that shooting a domestic animal is an unnecessary act of violence.
• Legal experts note that Indiana law does not allow the killing of pets simply for entering private property, unless they pose an immediate threat.

A Growing Movement for Justice

Determined to prevent similar incidents, Steury has launched a Facebook group called Justice for Hunting Dogs. The group serves as a support network for other hunters and dog owners who have faced similar tragedies.

As the case moves through the court system, many will be watching closely, hoping for justice—not just for Ralf, but for all hunting dogs caught in similar situations.