Severe Damage To Crops By Wild Pigs In New South Wales

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 39, 10 January 1949, Page 7

Severe Damage To Crops By Wild Pigs In New South Wales

Wild pigs are causing severe damage to cane crops in Queensland and wheat fields in northern New South Wales. Originally farm animals which escaped and took to the bush or were released in bad seasons, the pigs multiplied during the war years and since because of the shortage of labour and heavy ammunition with which to hunt them. Now in large herds they roam the country encroaching on properties unhindered because farmers cannot get wire to build protective fences. In the Moree district of north-western New South Wales the pigs have invaded properties four miles from the town. When a herd invades a wheat field the pigs strip the grain and flatten the growing wheat by rolling on it. During the absence of one farmer for a few hours wild pigs ruined a 50-acre crop valued at £750. Some farmers allow professional hunters to catch pigs on their properties. The hunters have packs of dogs trained to capture the pigs without injuring them. The dogs catch the pigs by the ears and hold them until the hunters can tie their legs. The pigs are taken to a farm, fattened, and then sold. Hunters :make good profits because the pigs ibring up to £ls each.