Invasive Swine Ban Upheld

The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ decision to classify the Russian boar as an invasive species. Russian boar are not native to Michigan. Most of those now in the state have been brought in by specialty hog farmers, or game ranches. Some have escaped, and established a feral population. State officials say the feral hogs can carry diseases that can be transmitted to domestic livestock, and that they cause significant environmental damage. The unanimous ruling by the three-judge panel overturns a decision issued last year by Marquette County Circuit Court, which had put enforcement of the rule on hold. DNR Director Keith Creagh said the ruling provides important protections for natural and agricultural resources in Michigan. Opponents of the ruling have called it vague and arbitrary. The original challenge to the DNR ruling was filed by several Upper Peninsula farmers, including Roger and Brenda Turunen from Baraga County.

You can read the Court of Appeals decision here.