If I keep a pig what must I do?Firstly, pigs are not always allowed to be kept in all areas. To check if you can legally keep a pig where you live, contact your local council. Being able to keep a pig in your area is determined by your local bylaws which are regulated by your local council.
If pigs are allowed to be kept in your area you must then register as a biosecurity entity with Biosecurity Queensland, obtain a Property Identification Code (PIC number), register an account with PIGPASS if you intend on moving pigs on and off your property and ensure you also comply with all other relevant legislation. Obtaining a PIC numberIf you own or keep a pig or other livestock you must register as a biosecurity entity. A Property Identification Code (PIC) number is also required for the land where the animals are kept. If you are unsure if you are registered you can check your details. If you are already registered as you own other livestock you must update your details to reflect that you also have a pig. Reporting pig movementsIf you intend on moving your pigs off your property you must register with PIGPASS. A PigPass National Vendor Declaration (PigPass NVD) form must be completed when you move pigs from your property. This applies to all pig owners and producers, regardless of the numbers of the pigs moved. When transporting pigs off the property owners must complete a PigPass NVD ensuring all information has been completed in full, including the destination PIC. The receiver must 'close the loop' by reporting the movement online using the originating sender’s serial number from the PigPass NVD. A receiver could be an abattoir, a pig producer, a pet pig owner, a sale yard, a knackery, a show or event or a livestock agent. Livestock movement records ensure food safety, animal disease control and animal welfare. People food is not pig foodSwill feeding to pigs and poultry is illegal in Queensland due to the risk of introducing a serious disease that could destroy our livestock industries. Diseases such as African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease can be introduced through feeding swill which is why it has been outlawed in Australia meaning it is illegal to feed swill to pigs and poultry. Feeding swill to pigs or supplying swill to someone to feed to pigs may carry penalties of up to $53,380 (400 penalty units). In cases where someone knows it is illegal to feed swill but chooses to do so anyway, penalties of up to $400,350 or 3 years imprisonment may apply. (See Biosecurity Queensland’s Factsheet ‘People Food is not Pig Food’). Examples of swill include: - table scraps
- meat pies, sausage rolls, bacon and cheese rolls
- Caesar salad with bacon pieces
- deli meats
- eggs
- milk or milk products not of Australian origin or illegally imported into Australia; and untreated used cooking oils and fats.
If you suspect someone you know is swill feeding you must report this to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
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