Lu Yongman, a 62-year-old farmer in Yanqing county in suburban Beijing, has issued his demand according to newly-promulgated local regulations concerning the destruction of crops and woodlandby wild animals.

According to Lu's statement, wild boars started invading his cornfields in September 1997. They usually came at night, eating and destroying much of his corn.

Lu and his wife tried to guard their fields overnight, but without any effective method to drive the boars away, they could only hide in the dark and watch the beasts feasting on their crops.

Earlier this month, the attacks became more frequent and violent, leaving one-third of Lu's crops completely destroyed within 12 days, the last straw for the farmer.

Some of his neighbors suggested that he should poison or trap the wild boars in revenge, but Lu refused.

"Though I hate them very much, I have no right to hurt any state-protected animals. Instead, I should seek justice from the government," Lu was quoted as saying.

Once the investigation is completed, Lu will be paid damages bythe township government.

(Xinhua News Agency August 31, 2002)