What Is the Twenty-Eight Hour Law?

Vladimir Morozov/akxmedia

This federal law set standards for animals being raised for food and transported across state lines. It states: animals that fit into this criteria cannot be transported by “rail carrier, express carrier, or common carrier” (except by air or water) for more than 28 straight hours without being unloaded for five hours for food, water, and rest.

If broken, transporters responsible can face a civil fine greater than $100 but no more than $500. The only time this statute does not apply is when the animal is being transported in a vehicle with access to food, water, and space for them to rest inside.

Further material: 

• Twenty-Eight Hour Law. United States Department of Agriculture.
• Legal Information Institute Transportation of Animals. Cornell Law School.
• Animal Welfare Law. Penn State Law.