SWINE RUNNING AT LARGE

House Bill 6338

Sponsor:  Rep. Kathleen Law

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 9-17-08

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6338 AS INTRODUCED 7-23-08

The bill would allow a local animal control officer, a law enforcement officer, or a person with a valid hunting license to kill a swine running at large on public or private property.

The bill is an amendment to Public Act 328 of 1976, (MCL 433.14a) which deals with "animals running at large."

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

This bill and House Bill 6339 address the problem of "sport swine," generally Razorback or European wild boar-type swine (or hybrids) raised or imported to Michigan for shooting purposes.

In some cases these swine are offered for recreational shooting on privately owned cervid ranches.  Some other hunting ranches are "swine-only."

The Michigan Department of Agriculture indicates that these hunting swine pose a significant risk as carriers of disease.  They also pose a significant escape risk.  Having escaped confinement, swine can become free-ranging feral swine.  If in contact with commercial swine, feral swine can transmit disease.  In addition, feral swine present a significant environmental risk through habitat destruction and displacement of native species.  Feral swine are a growing national problem and have been reported or sighted in 64 of Michigan counties.

Although there is no specific state regulation of hunting swine, the department's current quarantine, testing, and depopulation activities have been carried out under the general authority of the Animal Industry Act.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 6338 does not appear to have any direct fiscal impact.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.