News
Judge shuts down hog lawsuit damage awards
A North Carolina federal judge has shut down a lawsuit filed by eight neighbors of a Smithfield Foods hog feeding operation.
While a jury determined Wednesday that those neighbors should be compensated for odors, flies and noises from the hog facility – the federal judge on Thursday declared there was NOT enough evidence for them to pursue punitive damages.
Three earlier lawsuits against Smithfield hog operations in North Carolina resulted in more than $500 Million dollars in awards to plaintiffs. But those awards were reduced by a state law that limits punishments.
Have not followed this particular law suit closely but have seen others filed by people who buy property next to chicken and or egg farms then want the facility shut down or they will sue. If you live next to a farm of any kind there is the very strong possibility there will be something that may not be to your liking. I live across the road from a small cattle ranch. I find it very soothing to watch the cattle grazing. There are a few more flies in the summer but I knew that when I bought the property. Not sure I would buy near a pig farm but if I did sure would not expect the farmer to change things for me.