By Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks
Conservation officers in South Mississippi recently dismantled a group responsible for illegal selling and transporting wild hogs.
The illegal trafficking operation was discovered when a concerned citizen tipped off local officers of what they believed was a “possible illegal situation that concerned them greatly.”
Christopher Miley and Mandy Miley both of Franklinton, La., were charged with importation of wild hogs, transporting wild hogs without a permit, unlawful selling of wild hogs, and trapping in Mississippi without the appropriate license.
Bethanie Toothman of Sulphur, La., and Sierra Miley of Tylertown, Miss., were both charged with unlawful sale of wild hogs.
“These subjects were actively trapping wild hogs in both Louisiana and Mississippi, transporting them to their holding pen in Walthall County, then selling them, live, to individuals across southern Mississippi and Louisiana,” according to Major Lane Ball.
A 2010 study by the USDA reports wild hogs contribute to $1.5 billion in property damage each year. They also carry numerous diseases and viruses that affect other native and domestic animals as well as humans.
“Due to the destructive nature wild hogs have on personal property, agricultural property and public health, uncovering and eliminating operations like this is extremely important to us,” said Colonel Steve Adcock.