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Putnam County man accused of killing bobcat in Owen County

Tuesday, December 13, 2022
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SPENCER — A Putnam County man is has been cited for allegedly shooting and killing a bobcat in Owen County.

Elijah W. Helton is charged with the illegal taking of a bobcat for the incident.

According to a witness, Helton shot at two bobcats, one of which was killed. The other is believed to have been missed.

The witness then called the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division tip line to report the incident.

Conversravtion Officer Luke Tincher investigated the call, and was able to identify and interview the suspect.

Helton was issued a summons to appear in court in Owen County.

To submit a tip to DNR, call 1-800-TIP-IDNR or submit the information online at: www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/2745.htm

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  • I understand there can be a fine up to $500.00 and 60 days in jail, if found guilty I hope he receives the max.

    -- Posted by Alfred E. on Tue, Dec 13, 2022, at 4:34 PM

  • I understand you are not suppose to shoot them but when they are getting so thick and destroying small farm animals and pets, I can understand why one would shoot them.

    -- Posted by Nit on Tue, Dec 13, 2022, at 8:13 PM

  • You can get a permit from the DNR if you are having wildlife problems with your pets or livestock. I believe it’s called a wildlife nuisance control permit, or something along those lines. That would have been the legal and appropriate way to handle this, if, in fact, that was what was happening here.

    -- Posted by Koios on Tue, Dec 13, 2022, at 8:22 PM

  • Many times, back in the day they were shot because they were a threat to farmers and their farm animals. why is it a big deal now?

    -- Posted by oldschool68 on Tue, Dec 13, 2022, at 9:15 PM

  • Oldschool68 I agree with you. Was this in a neighborhood with children? I can say if it was a threat to my child or pet I would have done the same thing.

    -- Posted by putnamcountyproud on Wed, Dec 14, 2022, at 5:18 AM

  • I don't understand people who think it's cool to kill rare or exotic animals. A few weeks ago a local guy posted a picture of the albino deer he just killed with a bad arrow shot to its rear flanks. He looked so proud of himself.

    -- Posted by Ben Dover on Wed, Dec 14, 2022, at 9:00 AM

  • Could have been a pair? We will never know. How sadly we have come to still destroying nature. Not a threat to people! They do not attack unless rabid!!!!

    -- Posted by senior townee on Wed, Dec 14, 2022, at 9:38 AM

  • I enjoy the passionate defending of life

    -- Posted by beg on Wed, Dec 14, 2022, at 9:50 AM

  • Bobcat attacks on livestock, pets, and humans are extremely rare. No human has ever died from a bobcat attack, ever, anywhere in the US.

    Meanwhile deaths from domestic dogs and cats are comparable to deaths from firearms every year.

    -- Posted by techphcy on Wed, Dec 14, 2022, at 8:22 PM
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