Judge halts new law on deer inspections in Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri judge is blocking portions of a new state law on meat inspections from taking effect.

The Jefferson City News-Tribune reported Cole County Circuity Judge Jon Beetem temporarily blocked the law from being implemented. The order runs through Sept. 15.

Beetem issued the temporary ban in face of a lawsuit over which state department has the authority to inspect captive deer.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has been responsible for inspecting deer. Part of the new law would shift that authority to the Department of Agriculture.

The Conservation Commission and Department of Conservation sued in response, alleging the law takes away from the agency's constitutional authority over wildlife.

Information from: Jefferson City News Tribune, http://www.newstribune.com