Title 7, AgricultureRelease 119-110

§2159 Authority to Apply for Injunctions

Title 7 › CHAPTER 54 — TRANSPORTATION, SALE, AND HANDLING OF CERTAIN ANIMALS › § 2159

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

When the Secretary suspects certain animal handlers (dealers, carriers, exhibitors, or intermediate handlers) of dealing in stolen animals or seriously risking animal health by breaking the rules, the Secretary must notify the Attorney General. The Attorney General can ask the local U.S. district court for a temporary restraining order or injunction to stop the activity. The court may grant it without bond. The order stays until a complaint under section 2149 is issued and dismissed by the Secretary or until the Secretary’s cease-and-desist order is final or set aside on appeal. With the Attorney General’s approval, USDA lawyers may represent the Secretary.

Full Legal Text

Title 7, §2159

Agriculture, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Request

Whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that any dealer, carrier, exhibitor, or intermediate handler is dealing in stolen animals, or is placing the health of any animal in serious danger in violation of this chapter or the regulations or standards promulgated thereunder, the Secretary shall notify the Attorney General, who may apply to the United States district court in which such dealer, carrier, exhibitor, or intermediate handler resides or conducts business for a temporary restraining order or injunction to prevent any such person from operating in violation of this chapter or the regulations and standards prescribed under this chapter.

(b)Issuance

The court shall, upon a proper showing, issue a temporary restraining order or injunction under subsection (a) without bond. Such injunction or order shall remain in effect until a complaint pursuant to section 2149 of this title is issued and dismissed by the Secretary or until an order to cease and desist made thereon by the Secretary has become final and effective or is set aside on appellate review. Attorneys of the Department of Agriculture may, with the approval of the Attorney General, appear in the United States district court representing the Secretary in any action brought under this section.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

7 U.S.C. § 2159

Title 7, Agriculture

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110