MO HB2225

Criminalizes recklessly or knowingly releasing swine to live wild or feral on public or private unenclosed land as a class A misdemeanor, with each swine released constituting a separate offense.

Elevates a third violation of swine release to a class D felony if the person has two prior convictions within ten years; does not criminalize accidental escape of domestic swine.

Prohibits possessing or transporting live Russian and European wild boar or wild-caught swine on public land without a Missouri Department of Agriculture permit, punishable as a class A misdemeanor.

Permits landowners and others with consent to kill feral hogs (defined as unidentified hogs roaming without permission) on public or private land, except during firearms deer and turkey hunting seasons when wildlife code regulations apply; restricts artificial light use for feral hog killing to landowners and their agents on their property.

Requires Department of Agriculture to promulgate rules for fencing and health standards for Russian and European wild boar and wild-caught swine; establishes annual permitting requirement and restricts movement of these animals to farm-to-farm or direct to slaughter only; creates Animal Health Fund for collected fees and penalties.