(AP) – A Missouri lawmaker wants to increase fines for people
who release feral hogs in the state.
The Springfield News-Leader reports letting feral hogs loose is a misdemeanor
now and comes with a fine of up to $1,000 for each hog released, and up to a
year in jail for the perpetrator.
House Rep. Sonya Anderson’s bill would raise the fine to $5,000 for each hog
released. The person responsible would also lose hunting, fishing and trapping
privileges for three years. She said she has no intention of eliminating the
jail-time provision.
Anderson says feral hogs can destroy field crops and cause other extensive
damage to land and waterways.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has expressed concerns that some
people release hogs to help establish a population they can hunt.
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