MARQUETTE, MI (AP)-- Producers of exotic swine breeds want a circuit judge in Marquette to overturn an order from the state to get rid of the animals.
Five lawsuits against the state have been filed by farms and game ranches. Judge Thomas Solka is scheduled to hear arguments Monday on their motion to declare the order unconstitutional. If Solka says no, the cases will return to local courts for trial.
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 including hybrids, 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.
