Livestock Haulers: 28-Hour Law is Targeted in New Legislation

Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act Targets Livestock Haulers

New Bill Focuses on Livestock Haulers and Transport Rules

Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) has introduced a bipartisan bill called the Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act. The proposal would change how livestock haulers move animals over long distances in the United States.

The bill requires the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enforce the Twenty-Eight Hour Law. This law says that when animals travel for 28 hours or more, they must be unloaded for food, water, and rest. The bill would also ban haulers from moving animals that are sick, injured, or too weak to handle travel.

The Long History of Transport Rules for Livestock Haulers

The Twenty-Eight Hour Law dates back to 1873. It first applied to animals moved by rail, requiring rest after 28 hours. The law was updated in 1906 and again in 1994. Today, it is still part of federal law, but critics say enforcement is lacking.

For livestock haulers, this law has been difficult to monitor. Oversight has not kept up with the way animals are transported today.

Enforcement Problems in the Livestock Hauling Industry

Animal welfare groups point to several issues with the current system:

• Limited inspections: Many trips by haulers are not checked.
• Few penalties: Violations of the law often go unpunished.
• Old rules: The law was written for trains, not for modern trucking.

As a result, sick or weak animals are still moved across state lines without much accountability.

Disease Concerns Linked to Livestock Haulers

Moving sick animals not only causes suffering but also raises health risks. Supporters of the bill point to recent outbreaks of avian influenza. They say unfit animals transported by livestock haulers can spread disease quickly across states.

The bill would require haulers to follow stricter guidelines. Animals that are sick, injured, or newborn would not be allowed on long interstate trips.

What the New Bill Means for Livestock Haulers

The Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act has two main goals:

1. Stronger enforcement of the Twenty-Eight Hour Law. DOT and USDA would design a clear way to track and enforce rules for livestock haulers. This could mean more reporting, inspections, and penalties.
2. Ban on hauling unfit animals. Livestock haulers would be barred from moving animals that do not meet health and safety standards.

Endorsements for the Bill

The bill has the support of several groups, including the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), Humane World Action Fund, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF).

Adrienne Craig of the AWI said the measure would give “a clear mechanism for enforcement and cooperation among agencies.”

Sara Amundson of the Humane World Action Fund added that outdated practices cause both animal stress and public health risks. She said the update would “modernize” how livestock haulers operate.

Lawmakers Backing the Bill

Along with Rep. Titus, Representatives King-Hinds, Holmes Norton, Cohen, and Tlaib have signed on as original cosponsors.

Impact on Livestock Haulers and the Trucking Industry

Daily Operations Could Change

If passed, the bill would require haulers to:

• Check animal health before trips
• Prove animals are fit for travel
• Adjust routes for food and rest stops
• Plan trips to follow the 28-hour rule

Costs and Adjustments

Following new rules may raise costs. Livestock haulers could face longer trips, higher labor needs, or new expenses for rest facilities. Fines could also increase for violations.

Possible Benefits

Supporters say there are also positives. Stronger rules for livestock haulers could:

• Reduce disease outbreaks
• Lower losses of animals during travel
• Improve public trust in animal transport practices

Questions Still Ahead

Some details are not yet clear:

• The exact definition of “unfit for travel”
• How DOT, USDA, and states will share enforcement duties
• How trips by livestock haulers will be tracked and reported

Next Steps in Congress

The bill is awaiting committee review. Supporters hope it will move forward, but livestock haulers and industry groups may raise concerns about cost and logistics.