Congress Should Consider Modernizing Livestock Transport Laws to Enhance Animal Welfare

A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that current federal law regarding the interstate transport of livestock may be insufficient to adequately protect animal welfare, prompting recommendations for legislative reform. The GAO report, publicly released on June 4, 2026, highlights that while federal law mandates breaks for livestock every 28 consecutive hours to ensure they receive feed, water, and rest, it does not address other critical factors that could prevent animal illness, injury, or death during transit. Hundreds of millions of animals, including cattle, goats, horses, mules, pigs, and sheep, are transported annually by truck, often over long distances, making the proper management of these journeys crucial.

The primary federal statute in question, known as the Twenty-Eight Hour law, aims to prevent cruelty by limiting confinement periods. However, the GAO found that the law fails to encompass important considerations such as an animal’s physical suitability for travel and the sanitary conditions of transport vehicles and equipment. Stakeholders from the industry and other groups have pointed out that addressing these elements can yield significant economic, safety, and health advantages, including the prevention of disease transmission.

Further complicating the issue, federal agencies have taken minimal action to oversee compliance with the existing law. Officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated they lack the necessary regulatory authority to monitor interstate livestock transport for potential violations. Similarly, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has not engaged in such oversight, as it does not possess a role or authority concerning the welfare of livestock during transport. Evidence of enforcement limitations is underscored by the fact that between 2013 and 2025, the USDA referred only one potential violation of the Twenty-Eight Hour law to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for enforcement, and that case did not result in any legal action. DOJ officials and other interviewed parties concur that current penalties and enforcement mechanisms are insufficient to encourage robust enforcement.

To improve the federal government’s ability to prevent cruelty to livestock during interstate transport and to better hold agencies accountable for ensuring compliance, the GAO recommends that Congress consider amending current legislation or enacting new laws. These proposed legislative changes would include addressing factors beyond just the duration of travel, authorizing federal agencies to monitor livestock transport, and strengthening penalties while also permitting administrative enforcement actions. The GAO conducted its review by examining relevant federal laws, regulations, and guidance, visiting USDA-approved Feed, Water, and Rest stations, and analyzing USDA data on potential violations. The report also incorporated views from officials at the USDA, DOJ, and DOT, as well as 17 nonfederal stakeholders representing industry and animal welfare organizations.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Government Accountability Office

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