04-17-2017, 08:12 AM
This is a question I had to ask, for reasons of pigs coming through the ranch. And this is the response. It's a very interesting and educating one.
What you are describing is a situation we’ve been trying to get a handle on for quite some time. Pigs are classified as a “domestic animal” in California and their importation is done under the authority of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The problem arises when people legally purchase and import pigs then release them on their property for hunting or other purposes (I hear there is quite a growing industry in what’s called “heritage hogs” which exhibit more “wild” characteristics and roam free in pastures unlike the pigs I’m more familiar with). We are actively working with Food and Ag. now to develop a suitable definition of a “wild pig” to avoid taking what people are claiming are heritage hogs (which they very well may be).
If pigs are causing damage, property owners have the right to request a depredation permit to take those pigs. Landowners can even shoot them on sight under the “immediate take” provision of the depredation regulation; no license or pig tags are required under this method but any take must be reported by the next business day to the Department’s nearest regional office. If you can tell me where this problem is occurring I can point you in the right direction for more advice specific to your area and a depredation permit if you decide you need one. Get back to me when you get a chance.
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What you are describing is a situation we’ve been trying to get a handle on for quite some time. Pigs are classified as a “domestic animal” in California and their importation is done under the authority of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The problem arises when people legally purchase and import pigs then release them on their property for hunting or other purposes (I hear there is quite a growing industry in what’s called “heritage hogs” which exhibit more “wild” characteristics and roam free in pastures unlike the pigs I’m more familiar with). We are actively working with Food and Ag. now to develop a suitable definition of a “wild pig” to avoid taking what people are claiming are heritage hogs (which they very well may be).
If pigs are causing damage, property owners have the right to request a depredation permit to take those pigs. Landowners can even shoot them on sight under the “immediate take” provision of the depredation regulation; no license or pig tags are required under this method but any take must be reported by the next business day to the Department’s nearest regional office. If you can tell me where this problem is occurring I can point you in the right direction for more advice specific to your area and a depredation permit if you decide you need one. Get back to me when you get a chance.
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