Feral hogs account for $115M in damage each year to South Carolina. They destroy crops, decimate rural land and spread disease. Join the conversation and help us Halt the Hogs!
House Bill 3539: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 47-9-55 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE TRANSPORTATION OF LIVE SWINE ON A PUBLIC ROAD OR WATERWAY WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL FORM OF IDENTIFICATION, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION AND PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-16-25, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL RELEASE OF PIGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO TRANSPORT A LIVE MEMBER OF THE FAMILY SUIDAE TAKEN FROM THE WILD; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 50-9-655 RELATING TO PIG TRANSPORT AND RELEASE PERMITS.
There are a lot of questions about what H. 3539 will mean for hog farmers in South Carolina and we want to set the record straight.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Farmers transporting hogs will need "an official form of identification" to transport hogs. This identification will be another tool to aid SC Department of Natural Resources' ability to enforce the existing law that prohibits the transport of feral hogs.
2. The "official form of identification" will be determined by the State Veterinarian after consultation with hog farms of all sizes to ensure ease of access.
3. The identification will likely be tied to farm of origin which is denoted by a premise ID. Clemson LPH currently issues those for no cost. Click here for more information.
4. Ear tags are not required, but are acceptable if used.
5. Blood tests to distinguish feral swine from domestic do not exist and are not required.
6. There is no exemption based on the size of the farm or pig herd.
7. There is no taxation on the transport of hogs.
8. This process isn't unprecedented; other species of livestock are already required to have similar or greater levels of identification.
We are committed to working with our members, Clemson Livestock Poultry Health, SC DNR and other interested parties to find a solution that is equitable and accessible.
Hear directly from farmers about their experiences with feral hogs.
Read more about the February 8 virtual meeting here.
Check out this article from the Post & Courier.
Read more about wild hogs threatening our natural resources.