Photo courtesy of Invading Species (via Instagram)
In response to this fall’s wild pig incident in Pickering, the Ontario government has launched a plan to stop the spread of one of the most destructive invasive species on the continent.
“In Ontario, a small number of Eurasian wild boars have been imported and raised as alternative livestock on farms for meat.” stated the Ontario Government. “To protect Ontario’s natural environment and domestic pig industry, the Eurasian wild boar will be phased out of Ontario by 2024.”
The new regulations included in the plan can be found below:
Pig ownership
“As of January 1, 2022:
- live pigs are not permitted in provincial parks or conservation reserves
- It is illegal to release any pig into the natural environment
If a pig escapes or is otherwise released, owners must:
- immediately notify the ministry at [email protected] or 1-833-933-2355
- capture the pig as soon as possible
As of January 1, 2022
- The import, possession, transport, propagation, lease, trade, buying and sale of Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids is prohibited.
- Anyone who possesses Eurasian wild boar or their hybrids on January 1, 2022 is eligible for a two-year exception period (January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023), provided the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry is notified by March 1, 2022.
- Notifications can be provided to [email protected] or 1-833-933-2355 and must include the following information:
- owner’s name
- contact information
- location and number of Eurasian wild boar and hybrids
Following the two-year exception period, prohibitions will apply to all Ontarians.”
Hunters and property owners
“As of January 1, 2022, hunting pigs in Ontario is illegal.”
For more on this plan, check out the link below:
