Bill > HR5286

This bill, known as the "Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act," proposes two primary changes to existing law regarding animal transportation. First, it requires the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to develop an enforcement mechanism within 180 days that allows for investigations and inspections of vehicles, vessels, and records related to animal transport. This mechanism would help ensure that rail carriers, express carriers, common carriers, and vessel owners are complying with transportation regulations. Second, the bill establishes a comprehensive prohibition on transporting livestock that are unfit to travel, drawing definitions from the World Organisation for Animal Health's Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Animals considered "unfit" include those that are sick, injured, weak, disabled, blind in both eyes, unable to stand, in the late stages of pregnancy, recently given birth without their offspring, or likely to experience poor welfare due to expected climate conditions. The bill does include an exception that allows the movement of animals for veterinary care purposes. These provisions aim to improve animal welfare during interstate transportation by establishing clear standards and enforcement mechanisms.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5286/all-info