"The DNR created a list of certain subjective characteristics that pigs will be assessed by to determine if they are now an invasive species. Mark’s pigs matched some of the characteristics – characteristics that any pig would meet. And, overnight, Mark’s pigs were magically transformed into an “invasive species” despite the fact that he and his family had been raising the heritage hogs without incident since 2007 and successfully selling to high-end restaurants as his family’s primary source of income. Therefore, left with no other alternative, Mark filed a lawsuit against the DNR to try to protect his family’s livelihood. Now, incredibly through the lawsuit that Mark filed, the department is claiming that Mark has admitted to having invasive species and should be fined $10,000 per pig – or an astounding $700,000! That is right—the state wants to fine Mark nearly three quarters of a million dollars simply because of the breed of pig that he produces on his farm. Of course, if Mark was “just” poaching deer, he would only be subject to a $1,000 fine. If he were driving drunk, he would only be subject to a $2,000 fine. Or, heaven forbid if he were selling crack cocaine to our children, he would only face a $10,000 fine."
Posted on: Sun, 15 Sep 2013 13:13:23 +0000
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