Judge Plans Ruling On Motions In Swine Suit
LAKE CITY, Mich. (AP) - A judge says he will issue a written ruling on pretrial motions in the case of a Missaukee County farmer suing the state over an order banning certain exotic hog breeds in Michigan.
Circuit Judge William Fagerman heard arguments on the motions Friday but didn't say when he would rule. Mark Baker's lawsuit against the Department of Natural Resources is scheduled for trial Aug. 27.
Baker is challenging a 2011 DNR order declaring Russian boars and similar breeds as invasive species. State officials say the exotic swine are escaping into the wild and damaging the environment and farm crops. Baker says his hogs don't do that.
Five farms are challenging the order in lawsuits, saying it's vague and intended to protect big agribusiness at the expense of small operators.
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