Feral pigs: Hunters in sights

HUNTERS have been accused of illegally releasing feral pigs in southwest Victoria.

HUNTERS have been accused of illegally releasing feral pigs in southwest Victoria.

Numbers of the destructive and disease-carrying pests are rising on public land and farms.

Forest Fire Management Victoria officer James Downie said while isolated populations of feral pigs had been present for some time, their numbers were growing.

“We believe the origin of these newly confirmed populations is most likely through importation and illegal release,” Mr Downie said.

“We are seeing evidence of feral pigs that have had their ears cut off consistent with the theory that some pigs were released with the intent of breeding up to allow for increased hunting opportunities.”

READ MORE: FERAL PIGS ON THE RISE IN VICTORIA

Invasive Species Council chief executive Andrew Cox said hunters had been known to cut ears off female pigs so hunting dogs could not catch them.

Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia Victoria hunting development manager David Laird said “claims hunters have released pigs have been bandied about for years”.

“We’d certainly be concerned if it was (happening) — it would be illegal. It is not something we support.”