St. Paul Dog owners across the state are being reminded to keep their dogs under control, for the welfare of deer, and of the dog.

Minnesota law authorizes conservation officers and peace
officers to shoot domestic dogs chasing big game animals. Also, dog
owners can be fined up to $500 if their pets harass or kill big
game.

During late fall and winter, most big game animals have
critically low energy reserves. Even if a chasing dog doesn’t catch
a deer, the induced stress can be enough to kill the animal later
in the winter because of its weakened condition.