The Ministry of Natural Resources says it is illegal and dangerous to allow dogs to run loose and chase deer during the non-hunting season as it’s difficult for deer to run in deep snow or on ice and a deer chased by a dog can be injured, become exhausted, or die.
Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, it is illegal to let a dog run at large in an area inhabited by deer, moose, elk or bear during the closed season and owners could be charged.
Dog owners are urged to keep their dogs leashed or in enclosures to ensure the safety of both dogs and deer.