Ontario woman convicted for letting dog roam Crown land, chase, kill white-tailed deer

Conservation officer Ron Arnold summarizes a case of an Ontario woman who was convicted and fined for allowing her dogs to roam off-leash on Crown land.

A woman from Manitoulin Island has been convicted for the fourth time of allowing her dogs to run at large in areas inhabited by white-tailed deer, resulting in a $1,000 fine and a two-year probation order.

Caitlyn Baker of Evansville’s conviction stems from a series of incidents in 2024 that prompted multiple complaints from members of the public.

Public complaints, photographic evidence

Conservation officers with the Ministry of Natural Resources received complaints on six separate occasions during 2024 regarding dogs interrupting hunts and chasing and killing deer in the Evansville area.

“Conservation officers investigated the complaints and confirmed through photographic evidence the public suspicions,” the Ministry of Natural Resources said in a recent court bulletin.

The MNR also stated that Baker had been convicted of the same offence three times previously.

The charges related to both the open and closed seasons for white-tailed deer.

Probation terms and fine

Under the terms of the probation order, Baker is prohibited from having any dogs in her care and control leave her property without being properly attached to a person.

She was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Wildlife concerns

In an MNR social media video outlining the conviction, conservation officer Ron Arnold emphasized the importance of keeping dogs restrained in areas where deer are present.

“It is especially important to prevent dogs from running at large in critical wintering habitats that white-tailed deer rely on for survival,” Arnold said.

The ministry also noted that it is unlawful to allow a dog to run at large on any Crown or private lands inhabited by big game species during closed hunting seasons due to the risks it poses to wildlife.

“Dogs permitted to run at large in these areas can harass and chase deer and other big game, potentially causing injury or death due to exhaustion,” said Arnold.

Public safety

The MNR bulletin also highlighted broader reasons for keeping dogs under control when on Crown or private lands, noting that doing so protects wildlife populations while also helping keep pets safe from other hazards they may encounter in those areas.

The case was heard by Justice of the Peace Lori-Ann Toulouse in Gore Bay on Feb. 19, 2026.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

For more information about unsolved cases, click here.