Delawareans who own potbellied pigs or other feral swine have until Aug. 12 to apply for an Invasive Animal Permit to stay in compliance with state law, the Delaware Department of Agriculture said.
The animals were declared invasive in the Delaware Register of Regulations on June 1, with the Department of Agriculture having reported significant increases in the non-native species since 2016. Many of these pigs are eventually abandoned, are not in good care and are a nuisance for private property owners, the department said.
Potbellied pigs also pose a health risk, as their early reproductive capacity means they can quickly become feral and may contract diseases that can spread to people and animals, the Department of Agriculture said.
What are the new requirements?
In addition to applying for the Invasive Animal Permit, Delaware residents who own potbellied pigs must immediately stop them from breeding and house male and female pigs separately.
The Department of Agriculture also requires owners to have secure fencing to ensure that the pigs can’t escape and, if an animal does end up at large, states that the department must be notified within 12 hours.
How do Delaware residents apply for the permit?
A copy of the Invasive Animal Permit application is available online at agriculture.delaware.gov/poultry-animal-health. The two-page application can be submitted by email at deanimalhealth@delaware.gov or printed and mailed to the Delaware Department of Agriculture at 2320 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
A staff member with Poultry and Animal Health will then conduct an on-site visit and give each pig an identification tag, the department said.
The application process is free.
What happens if someone doesn’t get the permit?
If anyone is found to own potbellied pigs or other feral swine without a permit, the Department of Agriculture has the right to euthanize the animals. The same is true if someone is found to be publicly selling the animals or if they pose a health risk, regardless of whether the owner has an Invasive Animal Permit.
What if you don’t want your potbellied pigs anymore?
Delawareans must notify the Department of Agriculture before transferring, relocating or transferring possession of potbellied pigs and receive approval.
Any owners who no longer want to keep their potbellied pigs can relinquish them to the Delaware Department of Agriculture by emailing deanimalhealth@delaware.gov.
PREVIOUSLY:Delaware warns of loose potbellied pigs that can damage property and spread disease
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Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman.
