MONROE - Union County officials have taken legal action to shut down Plaza de Toros Rio Grande.

Thomas “Pinky” Marsh has repeatedly and admittedly bucked county officials and held rodeos and saddle clubs at his farm in Marshville.

In May 2007, Marsh was granted a special-use permit to conduct “special events/rodeo type activities” according to a court file. He was limited to four one-day events per year.

In September 2007, county land use administrator Lee Jensen ruled that Marsh had violated the special use permit and issued a citation for two violations on Oct. 12, 2007. On Oct. 25, 2007, the Board of Adjustment revoked Marsh’s special use permit.

Marsh maintains he is not subject to local regulations because state law allows agribusinesses to operate without local oversight. He has filed lawsuits and appeals, and has continued operating his events, including one on June 26 and June 27 called “Bull Fights and Dirt Bikes,” according to the court file.

The county has sought a permanent injunction from the court that would bar Marsh from conducting events on his property including: “Bull riding, calf scrambles, horse roping, horse racing, petting zoos, motorcross events, selling prepared foods and alcohol, broadcasting amplified music and other disc jockey type events to the public, and other similar type activities,” according to the court file.

The county is also seeking to tax the costs of the action against Marsh.