Dustin Whyte of Blind River, Ontario, has been fined $1,500 and placed on a one-year probation for repeatedly allowing his dogs to roam freely in a protected wildlife area during restricted seasons. He pleaded guilty to multiple violations of Ontario’s wildlife laws after conservation officers investigated numerous public complaints.
Between March 2023 and April 2024, Whyte’s dogs were reported running at large 22 times in a designated deer wintering area in the Municipality of Huron Shores—an ecologically sensitive zone where white-tailed deer gather in winter for shelter. At the time, both the closed season and open archery season for deer were in effect. The court heard that Whyte had two prior convictions for similar offences in 2022 and 2023.
As part of his probation, Whyte must now keep all dogs leashed or tethered when off his property. Failure to comply could result in further penalties. Ontario law prohibits dogs from running loose in areas inhabited by big game during restricted periods to prevent harassment or harm to vulnerable wildlife.
The Ministry of Natural Resources highlighted the case as part of ongoing efforts to protect deer populations and enforce conservation rules in critical habitats. The ministry also issued a separate bulletin on another recent wildlife offence involving illegal hunting in a provincial park.