Beloved family dogs shot and killed in Elgin while coyote hunting was taking place

A pair of German Sheppard were shot and killed while people hunted coyotes nearby, and their family is devastated. CTV London's Bryan Bicknell has more.

Warning: This story contains some graphic details and images that may be disturbing to readers.

An Elgin County family is in mourning after their beloved German Shepherds, Hank and Mary Jane, were shot and killed near their home this past weekend

It happened while coyote hunting was taking place in the immediate area.

“Our home is so quiet now,” said Kaitlin Strong, as she read from a prepared statement. “No more excited greetings at the front door after a long day of work, or cuddles on the couch with our babies. Our best friends and family members were ripped from our lives so violently and suddenly that we will never be the same after this event,” she said, while holding back tears.

While she agreed to read a statement to CTV News, she declined to take questions for fear her responses could impact the legal proceedings related to the deaths of her dogs.

“I let both dogs out to play and do their business,” she explained.

It was Saturday afternoon when the dogs went to play in the woods and field behind the family home in Malahide township. The two adjoining properties are private, the woodlot belonging to Strong’s household, and the field belonging to a neighbour.

Within 15 minutes of the dogs being let out, a gunshot was heard.

The dogs never returned.

A search ensured, but to no avail. An appeal to the public through social media garnered several tips. Strong said she learned from the Ministry of Natural Resources that a hunter turned himself in and is facing charges.

“By early afternoon Monday the suspect had turned himself in. MNR was able to recover our dogs and return them home to rest peacefully,” said Strong.

We contacted the OPP about the incident, who said the Ministry of Natural Resources is in charge of the investigation.

We, in turn, reached out to the MNR, who responded, saying that because of the provincial election they could not coordinate an interview at this time.

In the meantime, Kaitlin says her family has received a lot of support, including from members of the hunting community - but the place they call home will never be the same.

“Unfortunately, we cannot continue to call this house and the community our home. But we are truly touched by those who showed up for us in so many ways,” said Strong.