U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz is taking on feral hogs.
De La Cruz, R-McAllen, introduced a bipartisan bill on Wednesday to extend the federal government’s feral swine eradication program for five more years.
The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program was first established in the 2018 Farm Bill as a response to the threats posed by feral hogs to native ecosystems, agriculture, and animal and human health, according to a Wednesday news release.
The program includes three components — feral swine removal, restoration efforts and aid to producers for feral swine control efforts.
“Farmers and ranchers in South Texas and across the United States know the threat posed by wild hogs,” De La Cruz stated in the release. “These animals damage crops, hurt livestock, damage property, pollute the water, and pose a risk to pets and people.”
She added that Texas is “flooded” with swine and said they have no natural predator aside from humans.
There are an estimated 2.6 million feral swine in Texas, according to the release. In the entire United States, there are an estimated 6.9 million.
“That is why I’ve introduced this bill,” she said. “We have to protect our farmers and ranchers in Texas from this predator ravaging our lands.”
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening commended De La Cruz for introducing the bill.
“Texas farmers, ranchers, and landowners continue to suffer staggering losses from feral hog destruction to crops, fences, and other property,” Boening said. “We applaud Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz for introducing the Feral Swine Act to ensure tools are readily available to help control the feral hog population while, in turn, helping producers who are working to feed and clothe the world.”
Boening said the farm bureau looked forward to continuing working with her to ensure the enactment of the legislation.
The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Pat Fallon, R-Sherman; August Pfluger, R-San Angelo; Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas; Michael McCaul, R-Austin; Ronny Jackson, R-Amarillo; Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Florida; Pete Sessions, R-Waco; Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo; Lance Gooden, R-Terrell; Jake Ellzey, R-Waxahachie; and Barry Moore, R-Alabama.
