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Michigan lawmakers probe DNR enforcement of feral-pig rules after testimony from game-ranch owners
Summary
Witnesses told a House oversight subcommittee that the Department of Natural Resources used an invasive-species order, undercover investigations and a disputed genetic test to target game farms and breeders; committee members said they will seek documents and consider reforms.
LANSING — Lawmakers on a House oversight subcommittee heard more than two hours of testimony from game-ranch owners, a veterinarian and a state senator on enforcement of Michigan’s invasive species order (ISO) related to feral pigs, with witnesses saying the Department of Natural Resources has pursued farms and customers through undercover operations and disputed genetic testing.
Sen. Ed McBroom told the Oversight Subcommittee the DNR "has waged a heavy handed campaign against farmers" through a 2010 ISO amendment and a 2011 feral-pig ban, and he urged the panel to investigate the department's enforcement actions.
The testimony centered on a multiyear conflict between the DNR and several northern Michigan ranches that sell and lease pigs for hunting. Ranchers and witnesses described court wins that affirmed some animals as lawful, then later enforcement actions they say resumed without clear scientific criteria for distinguishing "wild" from domestic or heritage breeds. "We beat them," rancher Roger Tornan said of earlier litigation. "Now they're back again."
Why it matters: Witnesses said the DNR's enforcement has shuttered some operations, reduced the number of Michigan game-ranch businesses from…
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