Wild boar populations have expanded dramatically across Europe as hunting pressure reduced and forests regrew. Managing coexistence with agriculture and human settlements raises welfare questions about acceptable control methods.
Wild boar management involves significant welfare trade-offs. Lethal control through hunting causes acute suffering if shots are not instantly fatal, and driven hunts are particularly stressful for animals chased by dogs and hunters. African swine fever causes prolonged illness and death for infected individuals. Non-lethal management through fencing, deterrents, and conflict reduction reduces the need for lethal control. Where hunting is necessary for population management, high welfare standards including clean, instant kills should be required.