Comment
I think there is a notable weakness under Objective 1 (Prevent the introduction of pigs into the natural environment).
The strategy lays out a solid rationale for reducing introductions (negative effects on the economy, introduction of pathogens, wildlife and wildlife habitat destruction, etc.) but does not propose any changes that would modify farming practices and thereby reduce the associated risks. Now is the time to introduce regulatory controls for hog farmers who pasture their stock. At a minimum there should be fencing standards - the linked Ontario Pork document actually calls hogs "great escape artists" and recognizes how difficult it is to keep them enclosed. In addition to fencing regulations perhaps only neutered hogs should be allowed to pasture while breeding animals must be kept in more secure yards or pens.
In terms of educating farmers I think they need to be provided with a summary of proposed regulations that pertain to pigs in terms of the farmers obligations to not allow, or cause to be allowed, escapement; the requirement to report escapement and take immediate effective steps to recover or destroy escaped pigs; and finally the farmers liability to the Crown if government must take action to recover or destroy escaped pigs.
Since ownership of escaped pigs will be difficult to establish it might also be an interesting idea to propose a damages fund, paid for by pork producers. Both government and private landowners can access the fund in the event of damages caused by escaped pigs or expenses incurred during their capture or destruction.
Submitted May 2, 2021 12:40 PM
Comment on
Ontario’s Strategy to Address the Threat of Invasive Wild Pigs
ERO number
019-3468
Comment ID
54474
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status