Sen. Dodd: Feral Pig Control Bill Clears Committee

SACRAMENTO – Legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would help control California’s growing wild pig population, reducing damage caused by the invasive species to the environment, private property and agriculture, cleared a key committee today.

“We’re a step closer to controlling these destructive, non-native animals, which are endangering sensitive habitats, farms and other animals,” Sen. Dodd said. “Thanks to my colleagues for recognizing wild pigs’ threat to our state and for doing something about it. We must increase opportunities to hunt them so that we may bring our pig population under control.”

California’s wild pig population has soared since various non-native boar and pig breeds were introduced centuries ago. They now can be found in 56 of the 58 counties. Numerous environmental and public health problems are associated with pigs and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife allows year-round pig hunting. Sen. Dodd’s proposal, Senate Bill 856, would lift remaining hunting restrictions allowing for better population control and habitat management.

SB 856 has support from wildlife officials and farmers, among other groups. It passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water committee today. At the same time, the committee cleared a second bill from Sen. Dodd, SB 865, which increases the eligibility age for a junior hunting license in California, opening opportunities to participate in outdoor sports to a greater number of young people.

“Feral pigs cause of significant damage in our state to the environment, private property, agriculture and other wildlife,” said Eric Sklar, member of the California Fish and Game Commission. “They are not native and are a real challenge to many native species. We need to take a broad approach to reducing the feral pig population and I am grateful to Sen. Dodd for his efforts on this issue.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.