Pig owners reminded to help keep Kangaroo Island feral pig-free

Kangaroo Island has officially been declared free from feral pigs following a PIRSA-led eradication program, which removed 878 feral pigs from the island and completed a two-year proof-of-freedom surveillance phase with no detections or signs of feral pigs.

Kangaroo Island Landscape Board General Manager Will Durack said the result was a major achievement for Kangaroo Island’s agriculture, environment and long-term biosecurity.

“Feral pig eradication is a huge milestone for Kangaroo Island and everyone involved should be proud of what has been achieved,” Mr Durack said.

“PIRSA led the eradication program, with support from KILB, DEW, AgKI, Livestock SA, Kangaroo Island farmers, landholders and many others across the community.

“The job now is to make sure Kangaroo Island stays feral pig-free.”

Mr Durack said domestic pigs could still be kept on Kangaroo Island, but owners must have a valid declared animal permit issued by the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board.

“There is a long history of landholders keeping small numbers of domestic pigs on Kangaroo Island,” Mr Durack said.

“This reminder is not about stopping people from keeping pigs. It is about making sure domestic pigs are kept safely, responsibly and in line with the permit conditions.

“The risk is that if domestic pigs escape and are not recovered quickly, they can become a serious biosecurity issue.”

Under the domestic pig permit system, pig owners are required to meet conditions relating to secure containment, pig identification, property risk, record keeping and movement approvals.

Domestic pigs must be securely confined, identifiable as owned animals, and must not be moved, transferred or brought onto Kangaroo Island without the required permit or written approval.

Mr Durack said the Board’s focus was on working with landholders and helping pig owners understand and meet their responsibilities.

“KILB is here to help landholders do the right thing,” he said.

“If you already keep pigs, are thinking about keeping pigs, need to update your permit, or are unsure about your requirements, please contact us.

“We would much rather have a conversation early and help people manage pigs responsibly than deal with an escape or compliance issue later.”

KILB is also asking the community to report any escaped domestic pigs, suspected feral pig sightings, or concerns about containment as soon as possible.

“Keeping Kangaroo Island feral pig-free will take ongoing vigilance,” Mr Durack said.

“The eradication program has delivered a world-leading result. Now we all have a role to play in protecting that achievement.”

Domestic pig owners who do not meet permit requirements may face compliance action. Penalties may apply for keeping, moving, transferring or bringing pigs onto Kangaroo Island without the required approval, or for breaching permit conditions.

Following the successful eradication of feral pigs from Kangaroo Island, strict controls remain in place to prevent domestic pigs from escaping and establishing a new feral population.

Domestic pigs are declared Category 3 animals on Kangaroo Island under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. All owners must have a permit issued by the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board to keep domestic pigs or move them onto or within the island. 

Under the legislation:

• Pigs must not be brought to Kangaroo Island without a permit. The maximum penalty is $12,500.
• Pigs must not be moved on Kangaroo Island without the required approval. The maximum penalty is $12,500, with an expiation fee of $600 for relevant offences.
• Domestic pigs must not be kept without a valid permit. The maximum penalty is $12,500, with an expiation fee of $600.
• Pig owners must comply with instructions about how their pigs are kept and managed, including requirements designed to prevent escape. The maximum penalty is $12,500, with an expiation fee of $600.
• Releasing a domestic pig is a serious offence, carrying a maximum penalty of $125,000- or two-years’ imprisonment. Reasonable costs associated with capturing or destroying a released pig may also be recovered from the owner or person responsible for its release.
• The Board can issue an action order where an owner fails to meet their legal responsibilities. Failure to comply with an action order carries a maximum penalty of $25,000, and reasonable costs incurred in carrying out the required action may also be recovered.

For more information about domestic pig permits, contact the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board.

Phone: (08) 8553 2476
Email: ki.landscapeboard@sa.gov.au
Address: 35 Dauncey Street, Kingscote SA 5223