Feral pigs let loose in the Highlands 'humanely culled'

A group of feral pigs which were illegally released into the Cairngorms have been "humanely culled."

Efforts were ongoing to try and trap the animals, after around 20 were allegedly dumped near the Highland village of Insh.

Experts were able to locate the pigs yesterday before capturing them.

Forestry Land Scotland (FLS) have now confirmed that following the advice of vets and Police Scotland, the pigs have been killed.

A spokesperson said: “The feral pigs, classed as a Non-Native Species, were released with an apparent disregard for the illegality of such action and for the potential consequences that this might have on local habitats and wildlife, on other livestock or even on the welfare of the feral pigs themselves.

“All land managers are acutely aware of the issues caused by localised populations of feral pigs in other parts of Scotland and current Scottish Government guidance encourages land managers to control feral pig numbers to manage their impacts on agriculture and the environment.

“In light of these considerations the animals were captured, moved to an FLS location and, with the further expert advice of veterinarians and of Police Scotland, have now been humanely culled.”

Earlier this week, the release was labelled as "reckless" by Scottish Land & Estates.

Director of Moorland, Ross Ewing said: "This appears to be a reckless and illegal act which demonstrates a total disregard for both animal welfare and the wider environment.

"We saw the tragic consequences of last month’s illegal lynx release, which resulted in the death of one of the animals.

"Those responsible for these incidents show little concern for the welfare of the species they release or the serious impacts they could have."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The illegal release of any animal poses a serious risk to their welfare, as well as impacting farmers, land owners, and surrounding communities.

"The Scottish Government will not be reintroducing any large carnivorous species in Scotland.

"Unauthorised releases are illegal and completely unacceptable.

"Releasing or allowing an animal to escape out with its native range is an offence under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, punishable by up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both."