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After first indicating
that it would accept the decision by a federal judge denying
its suit against USDA over the rule that reopened the Canadian
border to the import of live cattle under 30 months of age,
Ranchers-Cattlemen's Action Legal Fund has decided to lodge
an appeal with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The cattle rancher group contends that it has never received
a hearing on the facts of the case, and that it deserves
such a full hearing. Decisions by the 9th Circuit and District
Judge Richard Cebull have focused only on their finding
that USDA should be shown deference in its scientific decisions.
R-CALF contends that the rule was more political than scientific,
and that the decision entails a threat to the health of
the U.S. cattle herd.
"We're hoping the 9th Circuit will remand the case back
down to Judge Cebull so he can make a decision on the merits
of the case," said Chuck Kiker, R-CALF president.
The appeal was filed with Cebull's U.S. District Court,
District of Montana on Monday. R-CALF lawyers say it will
take at least a few months to find out if the 9th Circuit
will hear the appeal.
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