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Silicon Valley Animal Rescue Fought To Stop
The Killing Of Feral Pigs Living In Santa Clara County Parks
Background
In 1998 SVAR challenged Santa Clara County Park's policy which called for the trapping and killing of feral pigs living in county parks. The County's own Game Warden opposed the policy. County officials contended that killing pigs was necessary to protect the public from physical harm and diseases. The fact is that pigs do not transmit diseases, and the parks did a poor job of educating the public on how to properly mitigate potential pig problems.
In 1998, the County spent more than $35,000 to shoot and kill roughly 150 pigs. SVAR argued that this was a waste of taxpayer money and the strategy was flawed. When pigs are "culled" it reduces competition for food and breeding, and therefore, provides a better environment for reproduction. The long-term scenario suggested that the County could be involved in an endless killing of feral pigs. SVAR's position is that killing the caged pigs by gun shot was inhumane, costly, shortsighted, and sent the wrong message to the public. The money could be better spent educating the public, providing adequate signs, strategic fencing, and compensating for property damage.
Status
The county has taken a more proactive and humane approach and has invested in food lockers to keep pigs at bay and on educating the public.
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