I contend dogs are allowed off leash unless prohibited. If your assertion is correct please shown me the regulation which allows dogs off leash on crown land.
Printable View
I do not know of any regs that allow dogs off leash on crown land, however, I let my dogs off leash on crown land (including municipal land) other than during deer season, as do many other dog owners.
Here is a link to an information page which discusses the ruling.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/protect-...wildlife-traps
Dog owners
It’s an offense under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 for a dog owner in Ontario to allow their dog to run at large in an area usually occupied by game wildlife, such as forested lands and woodlots.
As per your assertion that the default is dogs must be on a leash than there must be regulation that allow dogs to be off leash on crown. If not every Houndsman and Birddog Hunter is contraveneing the regulation. The absents of that provision must dictate that the default is dogs do not need to be leashed.
As per your second point
Dog owners
It’s an offense under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 for a dog owner in Ontario to allow their dog to run at large in an area usually occupied by game wildlife, such as forested lands and woodlots.
Refers to the owners having care and control over their dogs, meaning dogs cannot roam at will
I am not a lawyer, and can only answer from a lay-person perspective. It is my understanding that the act of hunting exempts the leash requirement.
In regards to your clarification regarding the 'run at large' wording, I agree with you in that the intent is there is no care and control.
Well believing that dogs must be on leash and are comfortable breaking the rules by letting your dog off is ok with you than great proceed.
I for one like to work within the rules as best I can.
Knowing regulations are written mostly in wording prohibiting activities the inability to find either case "In ontario dogs must be on a leash at all times" or " ON crown land dogs must be leashed except for these conditions..." I'm comfortable in conducting myself with the notion dogs can be off leash except where prohibited or regulated
Before covid I trained on a team with 30 dogs, I did Human Remains detection and and live-finds specializing in Autistic and Alzheimer's (they have similar lost person behavior). Yes, there were many times we broke the rules, we had the police called on us a number of times for off leash dogs and trespassing and they basically tell the complainant to shut up. So, when looking at the totality of the situation, its not about breaking the rules as much as it is about doing more good.
That said, there were times we were told we were breaking the rules, but I cannot quote what those exact rules were.
Edit: After saying as much as I have the time for on this issue I will take a break from this forum until hunting season starts.