NFU Scotland has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the illegal, deliberate release of feral pigs or wild boar into the Cairngorms.
It follows confirmation from the Cairngorms National Park Authority that feral pigs in the Uath Lochans area appear to have been domesticated and their presence is likely to mark an illegal release.
That follows the recent illegal release of four lynx in the area. NFU Scotland welcomes the prompt action being taken by the Park Authority, NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland to capture these animals. However, efforts must be increased to identify and prosecute those behind these illegal and reckless releases.
NFU Scotland’s Pigs Committee chair Jamie Wyllie said: “Such reckless and illegal releases are incredibly irresponsible with negative implications for the environment, the individual animals, and the potential damage they might cause to rural businesses.
“This latest incident, near to where four lynx were dumped only last month, is hugely concerning for land managers. Unsanctioned releases must not become common place or deemed in any way acceptable.
“We welcome the urgent action already being undertaken by authorities to recapture these animals and send a clear message that illegal activity such as this will not be tolerated.
“We urge anyone with information relating to where these animals have come from, to come forward and assist Police Scotland with their enquiries. It is imperative that those responsible for this latest release, and the earlier lynx release, face the consequences of their actions.
“The illegal release of feral pigs compounds a growing feral pig problem in some parts of Scotland where such pigs are causing significant damage to crops, land and property. Of equal importance, these pigs pose a huge risk of harbouring and spreading serious diseases to other livestock and wildlife.
“At a time when Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever are present in mainland Europe, a feral pig population is a threat to those who keep cattle, sheep and pigs. The presence of feral pigs makes the ability to control or eradicate disease, were it to arrive in the UK, significantly more difficult.
“Feral pigs are unprotected, and it is vital that those in authority and land managers continue to use all options to control and reduce their numbers.”
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Contact Bob Carruth on 07788 927675