Wild hogs may ruin church's pumpkin patch

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- At Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Sugar Land, the worry was wild hogs on Sunday afternoon. The nocturnal creatures keep tearing up the lawn.

Crews working for the city of Sugar Land, have trapped some but haven't managed to get all the animals. Church members and staff fear the hogs will ruin the annual pumpkin patch. The event draws in thousands of people across Fort Bend County.

"We're praying that the city does something to get rid of the hogs," said youth director Sara Stanley. "Nobody seems to be doing anything about it."

City of Sugar Land spokesperson Doug Adolph told Eyewitness News they are doing everything to trap the hogs. They also suggest the church put in more lighting and fencing as a possible solution. Rector Scott Thompson said he wants them to do more and take trappers' advice. Trappers suggested to the city, they use crossbows to kill the animals,

"They're big, big animals," said Thompson. "Make use of crossbows -- come out here at night and take some of these hogs out."

Adolph said city ordinance doesn't allow crews to discharge weapons. A crossbow is considered one under that rule. He also said, there are public safety concerns with wounding the animals.

Churchgoers feared come next weekend, the hogs will destroy the pumpkin patch. The event serves as the church's main fundraiser.