JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) __ Missouri lawmakers have endorsed
legislation intended to limit lawsuits against large-scale animal
farms.
Bills given initial approval Wednesday in the House and Senate
would affect nuisance lawsuits against the owners of land used for
agricultural purposes such as animal or crop production.
Numerous lawsuits have been filed in Missouri in recent years
alleging that odors from large barns of hogs are a nuisance to
neighbors.
The legislation would limit compensatory damage awards to the
reduction in fair market or rental values for the neighboring
property. It also would limit repeated lawsuits claiming temporary
nuisances.
Supporters say the bills are necessary to save Missouri’s
livestock industry. Opponents say the restrictions would hurt small
family farmers who live near the animal farms.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press