§2159 Authority to apply for injunctions

Summary

Notify the Attorney General when the Secretary of Agriculture believes a dealer, carrier, exhibitor, or intermediate handler is dealing in stolen animals or seriously endangering animal health in violation of the law or its rules. The Attorney General can ask the federal district court where that person lives or does business for a temporary restraining order or injunction to stop the violations. If the court is persuaded, it must issue the order without a bond. That order stays in effect until a complaint under section 2149 is issued and dismissed by the Secretary, or until the Secretary’s final cease‑and‑desist order is effective or is overturned on appeal. Department of Agriculture lawyers may represent the Secretary in the court action with the Attorney General’s approval.