---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 2159"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "2159"
heading: "Authority to apply for injunctions"
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/2159"
units:
  - "Chapter 54 — Transportation, Sale, and Handling of Certain Animals"
---

# §2159. Authority to apply for injunctions

- (a) **Request—** Whenever the [Secretary](/usc/7/2132.md?p=b) has reason to believe that any [dealer](/usc/7/2132.md?p=f), [carrier](/usc/7/2132.md?p=j), [exhibitor](/usc/7/2132.md?p=h), or [intermediate handler](/usc/7/2132.md?p=i) is dealing in stolen [animals](/usc/7/2132.md?p=g), or is placing the health of any [animal](/usc/7/2132.md?p=g) in serious danger in violation of this chapter or the regulations or standards promulgated thereunder, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2132.md?p=b) shall notify the Attorney General, who may apply to the [United States](/usc/7/6402.md?p=8) district court in which such [dealer](/usc/7/2132.md?p=f), [carrier](/usc/7/2132.md?p=j), [exhibitor](/usc/7/2132.md?p=h), or [intermediate handler](/usc/7/2132.md?p=i) resides or conducts business for a temporary restraining [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) or injunction to prevent any such [person](/usc/7/2132.md?p=a) 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](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) or injunction under [subsection (a)](#a) without bond. Such injunction or [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) shall remain in effect until a complaint pursuant to [section 2149 of this title](/usc/7/2149.md) is issued and dismissed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2132.md?p=b) or until an [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) to cease and desist made thereon by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2132.md?p=b) 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](/usc/7/6402.md?p=8) district court representing the [Secretary](/usc/7/2132.md?p=b) in any action brought under this section.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 89–544, § 29, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XXV, § 2503(2), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4067.)