The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) recently joined forces with other agencies to target the illegal transportation of feral pigs and other unlawful activities.
More than 30 cars were recently stopped at a road block near the Harris River Dam in Collie as part of an interagency operation.
DAFWA biosecurity officer James Sheehan said feral pigs were a major agricultural and environmental issue in Western Australia.
“Feral pigs are a declared species throughout the state, requiring their numbers to be managed,” he said.
“Illegal release is a major cause of feral pig movement and anyone found breaching regulations will be prosecuted under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act (2007).
“Recent amendment to legislation has raised the potential fines for breaches up to $20,000.”
Agencies involved included DAFWA, WA Police, the Shire of Collie, Department of Environment and Conservation (now Department of Parks and Wildlife), Water Corporation and the Department of Fisheries.
Mr Sheehan said the roadblock provided an excellent opportunity for the various agencies to interact with the public and gain information on illegal activities in the area.
“Although there were no prosecutions in relation to the movement of feral pigs, it provided an opportunity to raise the issue with motorists, along with other issues including illegal movement livestock, firewood collection, fishery matters and water catchment activities through to WA Police targeting driving and other offences,” he said.
Mr Sheehan said many motorists were surprised to see agencies working together targeting such a broad range of illegal activities.
“We thank the public for all their information and continue to urge people to come forward with information on any illegal activities,” he said.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937