GOLF CLUB SAYS PIG FARMS' ODOR, AS WELL AS MUSIC, IS A NUISANCE NCE

GOLF CLUB SAYS PIG FARMS' ODOR, AS WELL AS MUSIC, IS A NUISANCE

BYLINE: Pat Moore

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
DATE: January 8, 2000
PUBLICATION: The Palm Beach Post
EDITION: MARTIN-ST. LUCIE
SECTION: LOCAL
PAGE: 3B

Attorneys for a Stuart golf community feuding with its music-playing pig farm neighbors sought permission Friday to expand lawsuits to include claims that the pigs' smell and the farmers are harassing and stalking the golfers.

"It's ludicrous and it's a little bit late in the game to start looking at new ways to harass my clients," said attorney Lance Richard, who represents pig farmers Thomas Rossano and Paul Thompson. The Florida Club at Martin County filed suit two years ago, accusing both farmers and their wives of playing loud music to their pigs every day with the intent of harassing the golfers and discouraging home sales.

Thompson and Rossano insist the country and pop music they play reduces their hogs' stress and causes them to fatten quicker and enhances the tenderness of their meat.

Friday, Florida Club attorney Louis Lozeau asked for permission to add counts to the suits accusing both farmers of creating "offensive and obnoxious smells" that have reduced property values and home sales.

Lozeau also wants Circuit Judge Ben Bryan to allow additional counts, including that claim the farmers have "engaged in daily stalking" by their playing of unreasonably loud music and making the smells.

He also accused Thompson of discharging firearms on his property to scare and harass Florida Club employees, residents and guests.

Richard said Thompson shoots pigs when slaughtering them for market.

Lozeau could not be reached for comment late Friday. No hearing date has been set on his request.

Richard said he believes Florida Club's request to broaden the suit is an attempt to delay the trials tentatively set for March or April.

"It really smells of harassment now from them," Richard said.

pat_moore@pbpost.com