Cypress approves new anti-boar bylaw during July 16 meeting

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers

During the Cypress County Council meeting that took place on July 16, the County took a proactive stance to prevent the incursion of wild boars.

“I think everyone is familiar with the destruction that wild boar can cause,” said CAO Tarolyn Aaserud. Agricultural Supervisor Lisa Sulz was present for questions and prepared the request.

Coun. Shane Hok spoke on the topic, saying that it was brought forward after watching some films demonstrating how “sneaky and how destructive these wild boars can be.”

“It’s something we have to put a halt to, before it becomes a problem,” said Hok.

There are notable boar populations in Central Alberta, near Edmonton, said Sulz, and also across the border in Saskatchewan. She anticipates that their greatest threat would come from boars travelling along the South Saskatchewan border.

“They’re not imminent or anything like that,” said Sulz, “but the reality is that they are getting closer.”

The purpose of the bylaw is to establish that the boar species, scientifically named Sus scrofa, is not permitted within the borders of the county, and that they will not allow for wild boar farms, which has been the root of the feral populations in some areas.

All three readings of the bylaw were conducted during the meeting. The bylaw ensures ways of control, and enforcing penalties should they be found within the county. It prohibits the animals and states that landowners must take active measures to prevent the establishment of, control, or destroy boars where found on the property.

The bylaw states that those found in violation of it, in keeping the animals on the property or refusing to remove or euthanize a prohibited animal may face a penalty of $10,000.