After 7 years of significant increases to the wild potbelly pig population in the First State, they are now considered invasive.
This means that all potbelly pigs now require an Invasive Animal Permit, or run the risk of seizure and euthanization.
Potbelly pigs are a known risk to residential and rural areas of the state. They can quickly become feral, and spread contagious and infectious diseases to both people and animals.
They can also cause significant property damage.
Potbelly pig owners now have until August 12th to apply for an Invasive Animal Permit for each pig in their ownership, and comply with the new regulations.
Those include ceasing breeding activities of potbelly pigs, making sure they are securely housed and fenced, reporting at-large status, and complying with all state-issued animal welfare checks.
An on-site visit will occur following the submission of the application, which will include tagging the pigs.
Untagged pigs found in the wild will be euthanized.
The Invasive Animal Permit application is available online at www.agriculture.delaware.gov.
