THE Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) is seeking information from the community regarding the deliberate release of pigs into a pine plantation surrounded by State Forest and farmland, in the Kiewa Valley.
Members of the public reported sightings of the eight pigs which were later successfully mustered by DEPI officers and local landowners.
DEPI Biosecurity Manager of Established Animals John Matthews said it appeared the pigs were released to propagate a feral pig population for hunting.
“This incident is a demonstration of extremely poor behaviour and ignorance of the possible consequences.
“Thankfully this type of conduct is not common, and doesn’t reflect on the majority of hunters who undertake hunting lawfully, ethically and humanely,” Mr Matthews said.
“These thoughtless actions could have major impacts on Victoria’s agriculture industries and environment, with devastating biosecurity implications.
“One of the pigs had an ear removed, again consistent with the theory that these pigs were released with the intent of hunting.
“Hunters are reminded that cutting off pigs' ears and the use of dogs to chase, hold and attack pigs is prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, with large penalties applied if a person is convicted.
“The penalties for releasing an established pest animal are also significant and DEPI will continue to investigate this incident and similar incidents, with the intent to bring charges and prosecute the offenders.
A DEPI District Veterinary Officer undertook autopsies on the pigs and found they had a range of lesions consistent with a number of endemic diseases of pigs in Australia.
“New populations of feral pigs present additional biosecurity risks should Australia ever have an outbreak of an exotic disease like foot and mouth or classical swine fever.”
