Opinion ID: 4520101
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: This case requires us to interpret Iowa Code section 657.11(5), a litigation-cost-shifting provision relating to animal feeding operations: If a court determines that a claim is frivolous, a person who brings the claim as part of a losing cause of action against a person who may raise a defense under this section shall be liable to the person against whom the action was brought for all costs and expenses incurred in the defense of the action. Iowa Code § 657.11(5) (2013). A group of property owners filed a petition alleging that certain confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) operated and supported by the defendants constituted a nuisance. Because the plaintiffs had failed to exhaust farm mediation, they had to dismiss their initial lawsuit. The plaintiffs refiled. Later, two of the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their claims a second time, resulting in an adjudication against them on the merits. See Iowa R. Civ. P. 1.943. The defendants sued by these two plaintiffs moved for costs and expenses pursuant to Iowa Code section 657.11(5), and the district court granted their motions. The two plaintiffs now appeal. They argue: (1) two voluntary dismissals do not mean they had “a losing cause of action,” (2) their claims were not frivolous, and (3) the district court improperly assessed certain costs and expenses. On our review, we hold that these plaintiffs had a losing cause of action, that the district court did not abuse its discretion in finding their claims frivolous, and that the district court’s apportionment of costs and expenses was appropriate. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court. 3