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4th Amendment? Farmer one day, Felon the next
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Forum:
Politics
Category:
Laws
Miscellaneous
Thread ID:
01541856
Message ID:
01541906
Views:
39
>>Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is using the state Invasive Species Act to expand its jurisdiction beyond hunting and fishing to farming operations. Their controversial Invasive Species Order (ISO) prohibits certain pigs the agency deems "feral." The way it is enforcing the rule even domesticated pigs under human husbandry are suspect. Farmers, ranchers and game preserves with successful small businesses are now threatened with economic and criminal sanctions, based on the physical characteristics of their swine.
>>
>>Implementation of the ISO, as of April 1st, not only takes private property without compensation it also denies farmers of fundamental private property rights and the right to make a living. It will reduce or eliminate customer access to heritage breed pork, a product that has become increasingly popular with health conscious consumers and restaurants across the state.
>>
>>The ISO allows DNR to seize and destroy pigs raised by Michigan farmers; Michigan DNR has publicly stated they will not compensate farmers whose pigs are destroyed. Possession of prohibited swine after April 1, 2012 is a felony with penalties of up to two years in jail and $20,000 in fines.
>>...

>>
>>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46963866/ns/business-press_releases/t/michigan-agency-creates-hardship-heritage-pig-farmers-hunting-preserves-say-legal-experts/
>>
>>Yep, I'm WAY off about the State of things.
>
>Invasive species can really screw up the eco-system - something I've learned a lot about while living here in Hawaii. I'm also sure there are some fishermen who could tell you all about that asian carp fish....

If they were targeting a wild, "feral" or truly invasive species on the basis of science (genetic) I would understand. That is not the case.

Here's State Senator Booher's write up on the issue.
http://www.misenategop.com/senators/readarticle.asp?id=4863&District=35
In December 2010, the Michigan DNR issued an invasive species order (ISO) to make certain types of swine an invasive species, which prohibits farmers from raising them on their farms. The order became effective on Oct. 8, 2011 and affects all heritage hogs in Michigan. Even potbellied pigs, which are often raised as pets, may now be considered an invasive species in Michigan.
...
The DNR’s thinking is irrational. The department says we must ban certain pigs because the state has a feral hog problem (pigs running at-large or outside a fence). But since all pigs outside of a fence are feral and the DNR cannot genetically differentiate between swine, the department decided to ban certain pigs in Michigan simply due to their appearance.
...
I believe it was a mistake for the DNR to involve itself in an agricultural issue that is not associated whatsoever with its mission. The DNR is charged with management of game and wildlife owned by the public – not the regulation of privately-owned animals. That is the responsibility of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Wine is sunlight, held together by water - Galileo Galilei
Un jour sans vin est comme un jour sans soleil - Louis Pasteur
Water separates the people of the world; wine unites them - anonymous
Wine is the most civilized thing in the world - Ernest Hemingway
Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance - Benjamin Franklin
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