Michigan Judge Delays Ruling On Exotic Swine Ban

MARQUETTE (AP) - An Upper Peninsula judge has postponed a ruling on whether Michigan's ban on exotic swine is constitutional.

Marquette County Circuit Judge Thomas Solka heard arguments Monday and says he'll issue a written opinion within 30 days.

The Department of Natural Resources declared the swine an invasive species a year ago and made it illegal to possess them in Michigan. The ban applies to Eurasian, Russian and razorback boars and similar breeds, although opponents say it's unclear which varieties are covered.

Regulators say thousands of feral hogs roam the state, damaging the environment and crops. Producers say that's an exaggeration. Five lawsuits against the policy have been filed by farms and game ranches.

If Solka refuses to strike down the DNR order, the lawsuits will return to local courts for trial.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or 16redistributed.)