LANSING (AP) -- Officials are scheduled to begin enforcing an order Saturday that bans ownership of certain exotic swine in Michigan.
The order targets Eurasian and Russian boars and similar breeds raised primarily for hunting at enclosed game ranches. The state Department of Natural Resources says some have escaped into the wild. It's estimated that 3,000 to 5,000 feral hogs roam the state, where they root in the soil for food, damaging crops and natural areas.
Environmental groups support the order, along with agriculture groups such as the Michigan Pork Producers Association. But it's being challenged in court. Opponents say it unfairly targets small farms that produce so-called "heritage" swine breeds that are gaining popularity in high-end restaurants.
The DNR says those animals are safe unless they're cross-bred with banned swine types.
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