The owner of two dogs that were shot dead during a hunting incident in Central Elgin last year says a hefty fine and suspended licence isn’t enough to deter hunters from crossing into private property. 

Kaitlin Strong’s and her husband’s two German shepherds, Hank and Mary Jane, were killed on their property in Belmont, Ont., last February.

Strong told CBC News last year that the dogs were playing in the wooded area behind the couple’s house, which is part of their property, when she heard a gunshot. While outside an hour later, she said, she discovered wet blood and drag marks on the snow in her neighbour’s open field. 

“It ruined my life,” Strong said.

Days later, provincial officials recovered the bodies of both dogs and returned them to the family

A 27-year-old Aylmer man appeared via video at the Provincial Offences administration building in St. Thomas on Monday afternoon. 

He pleaded guilty to two Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act offences, including discharging a firearm without due care and attention, killing a male and female German shepherd. He’s required to pay a $3,000 fine and his hunting licence will be suspended for one year. 

However, Strong said the punishment is too light. 

“The verdict that was delivered is, quite frankly, not harsh enough to deter these people from continuing with their behaviour,” Strong said.