Judge Restrains Ostrich Firm: A federal judge...

Judge Restrains Ostrich Firm: A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Dallas-based company from selling investments in ostrich breeding that federal securities regulators contend are fraudulent. The Securities and Exchange Commission alleges that since late 1992, International Breeders used high-pressure telephone sales tactics to sell $6.5 million worth of limited partnership interests in an ostrich breeding operation to more than 700 investors. The SEC is seeking a permanent order barring the defendants from violating federal securities laws. It also wants the defendants to repay the money raised from investors, as well as to pay the government civil penalties. Dallas attorney Dan Waller, who represents International Breeders, said his clients deny the SEC allegations that they made misleading claims about the investments.