TEXAS MAN ON TRIAL FOR HOG RELEASE
Thursday, October 16th, 2008 -- 11:26 AM
A Texas man is on trial for releasing wild pigs into the southwestern Wisconsin wilderness.It?s the first court case of its kind in Wisconsin.
55-year-old Robert Johnson was cited earlier this year for illegally stocking wild animals and is facing fines of as much as $31,000. His trial resumes Oct. 24 before a Crawford County judge.
According to court documents, the pigs were brought here from Texas in a trailer.
Johnson opened the door and watched 31 animals scamper into the countryside near Gays Mills in February 2002. He was apparently motivated by anger over deer hunting rules and a desire to let visitors to his game farm hunt them.
In addition to the possible $1,000 per animal fine, Johnson could also face civil penalties from the state and farmers to recoup damages and investigation expenses.
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