Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Michigan hog farmer faces $700,000 fine


Mark Baker is facing a potential fine of $700,000 for raising feral pigs for high-end restaurants in the Detroit area.

He is to appear in court in Lake City on July 12 to respond to charges laid by Michigan’s Attorney General on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources.

He is charged with violating the state’s invasive species order served on him in April, 2012.

There has been a concerted push across the United States to get rid of feral pigs because they are a reservoir of diseases that could devastate the commercial hog-farming business.

The Bakers have a lot of supporters, especially among small-scale farmers and neighbours.

The family of eight children is raising Mangalista pigs.