On March 11, 2021, County Council gave Second and Third Reading to Bylaw 2021/08 to prevent the establishment of wild boar within the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10. First Reading was given on January 26, 2021 at which time Council requested public engagement be done on the issue of wild boar.
County Administration developed a survey regarding wild boar in the County and posted it to the County Website for three (3) weeks and in the Pipestone Flyer for two (2) weeks to gather responses from the public. The following is a summary of the Wild Boar Survey results:
- 46 Surveys were completed.
- 93% stated they live in the County of Wetaskiwin.
- 54% stated they are Agricultural Producers.
- Over 80% stated their opposition to allowing wild boar to be farmed within County Boundaries.
- Over 90% stated that the County should prevent the establishment of wild boar through a Bylaw.
- 83% stated that the County of Wetaskiwin should not allow wild boar hunt farms in the County.
- The most common response to a potential fine amount was $10,000.00 with amounts ranging from $0 to $1,000,000,000,000.
At least ten (10) other rural municipalities in Alberta have Bylaws that prohibit wild boar. Currently, the Government of Alberta does not have any legislation prohibiting wild boar in Alberta, however, wild boar at-large are considered agricultural pests under the Agricultural Pests Act. Wild boar at-large can be reported to the Government of Alberta at 310-FARM or email.
The County’s Agricultural Service Board was also in support of the creation of this Bylaw. View Wild Boar Bylaw 2021/08.