Ohio House Sends Bill to Prohibit the Import of Feral Swine to Governor

COLUMBUS-The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 503, legislation to address harm caused by feral swine in Ohio, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Don Jones (R-Freeport) and Bob Peterson (R-Sabina).

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Allows landowners to kill a feral hog without a license, as long as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is notified within 24 hours;
• Eliminates an existing license to feed swine garbage or treated garbage and prohibits bringing swine into the state who have been garbage fed;
• Increases penalties for importing, transporting, or possessing of feral swine; and
• Updates definitions under the Agricultural Commodity Handlers Law.

"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," said Peterson.

House Bill 503 now awaits a signature from the Governor.