§2159 Authority to Apply for Injunctions

Summary

If the Secretary believes a dealer, carrier, exhibitor, or intermediate handler is dealing in stolen animals or seriously endangering animal health by breaking this law, the Secretary must tell the Attorney General. The Attorney General may go to the federal court where that person lives or does business and ask for a temporary restraining order or an injunction. If the court is shown good cause, it must issue the order without bond. The order stays until the Secretary files and then dismisses a complaint under section 2149, or until the Secretary’s final cease‑and‑desist order is effective or is set aside on appeal. Agriculture Department attorneys may represent the Secretary with the Attorney General’s approval.