Video: Hunting Dogs Viciously Maul Feral Pig in New Zealand

The graphic video, which was first shared on TikTok, lasts 38 seconds and shows hunting dogs viciously mauling the pig. As the feral pig tries to defend itself, a pack of dogs bites its ear and neck. A man can be heard commanding the dogs to get the pig in the background, Newsweek reports.

There are no seasonal restrictions on hunting feral pigs in New Zealand, so they can be hunted at any time of year. There are, however, exceptions to the rule for specific reasons and times when hunting is encouraged. Wild pig hunting is possible all year in New Zealand, except during the winter months.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) pointed out that the hunting of pigs with dogs is inherently cruel and unnecessary. The dogs are used to hold the pig by the ears while the hunter stabs it in this method of hunting.

Intentions Behind Postiing on TikTok

Several other videos from the same TikTok account show pigs hunting activities with dogs. The animal welfare organization SAFE for Animals released a statement in response to the video, calling for the sport to be banned.

According to SAFE, wilful or reckless ill-treatment of a wild animal is a crime under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, but there is a defense if the alleged behavior is considered standard hunting practice. Feral pig hunting is legal in New Zealand. According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation, one of the most common methods is to use dogs.

Pigs should be killed as quickly and humanely as possible, according to the Department of Conservation's website. However, the pig appears to be in distress in the video as the dogs continue to attack it.

SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said in the statement that using dogs to hunt feral pigs should not be acceptable and that people should be well past scaring and torturing animals for fun.

According to Appelbe, the TikTok hunter injured an animal and then uploaded the video to one of the world's most popular entertainment platforms, demonstrating a callous disregard for animals.

Animal hunting is not encouraged in New Zealand, he added, because of this unnecessary violence against wild animals. Dogs should not be used in pig hunting, according to the spokesperson, because it is cruel to the pig and dangerous to the dogs. It's also unacceptable, and the group is working to have the video taken down.

Regulations for Pig Hunting with Dogs

The RSPCA, another animal welfare organization, is investigating the incident, according to SAFE. The RSPCA states on its website that chased pigs will experience fear, panic, and distress, and that those killed by sticking will die in a painful and prolonged manner.

Stabbing, rather than shooting the pigs, is inhumane, the RSPCA points out, as it does not lose consciousness for some time.

Pig hunting with dogs is probably the most common method in New Zealand, and dog owners should be aware of the restrictions, which include the need for a hunting permit in some areas, dog aversion training in some areas, recovering lost dogs, and complying with animal welfare requirements, which emphasize that pigs at the 'bail' should be dispatched as quickly and humanely as possible.