Ohio House passes bill banning import of feral hogs

OHIO — The Ohio House of Representatives has approved legislation aimed at addressing the growing problem of feral swine in the state.

The House voted yesterday to concur with Senate amendments to House Bill 503, a measure sponsored by State Reps. Don Jones (R-Freeport) and Bob Peterson (R-Sabina).

“This legislation addresses Ohio’s growing feral swine infestation by empowering our landowners,” said Jones.

“Feral swine are a nuisance to landowners around the nation and are a threat to Ohio’s livestock industry,” added Peterson.

The bill introduces several measures designed to curb the damage caused by feral swine, including:

• Allowing landowners to kill feral hogs without a license, provided they notify the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) within 24 hours.
• Eliminating an existing license for feeding swine garbage or treated garbage and prohibiting the import of swine that have been garbage-fed.
• Increasing penalties for the importing, transporting, or possessing of feral swine.
• Updating definitions within the Agricultural Commodity Handlers Law.

Feral swine, also known as wild hogs, pose significant risks to agriculture, ecosystems, and livestock in Ohio.

The animals are known for their destructive behavior, which can cause millions of dollars in damage annually.

House Bill 503 now heads to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk for final approval.