Welfare of hunted pigs

Hunters have a duty of care, are bound by laws and are responsible for ensuring acceptable standards of animal welfare are practiced during the hunt. Pigs must be dispatched quickly and efficiently, with full regard for their welfare.

It is recommended that pigs are found and bailed, and holding should be avoided where possible.

If a captured pig must be held, it should be for the shortest amount of time possible. Prolonged holding can cause severe stress and pain to the pig and may contravene requirements set out in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. It can also cause injury to the dogs.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1979 legally obligates all hunters to ensure that no unnecessary pain is inflicted on a hunted animal. Responsible and humane hunting helps to maintain community confidence in your activity, so it may be continued into the future.

It is an offence to hunt pigs with dogs in a way that results in unnecessary pain or suffering for either the pigs or the dogs.

An example of an offence is when an excessive number of dogs are used or if the dogs are set upon a pig that is already in a situation where it can be quickly dispatched.

Revisit Unit 2 - Hunting laws in NSW for more information about this Act.