SearchWhat the source says
49 U.S.C. § 80502 addresses animals transported in interstate commerce and generally limits confinement in a vehicle or vessel to 28 consecutive hours without unloading for feeding, water, and rest; the statute includes a longer period when its stated conditions are met.
Sources checked August 18, 2026 · This guide summarizes 49 U.S.C. § 80502 and the related 9 CFR Part 89 policy source. It does not decide whether a particular animal movement, carrier, vehicle, or facility is covered.
Conditions, thresholds, exceptions, and duties
Interstate-transport triggerThe statute is directed to animals transported in interstate commerce; that scope is part of the threshold and cannot be omitted from a farm-movement analysis. 49 U.S.C. 80502(a)
Twenty-eight-hour periodThe statute generally prohibits confining covered animals in a vehicle or vessel for more than 28 consecutive hours without unloading them for feeding, water, and rest for at least 5 consecutive hours. 49 U.S.C. 80502(a)(1)
Longer periodSection 80502 includes a 36-hour period when the statutory request condition is met; the exception must be read with the statute's exact actor, request, and transport conditions. 49 U.S.C. 80502(a)(2)
Related USDA policy9 CFR Part 89 is titled Statement of Policy Under the Twenty-Eight Hour Law and should be read as a policy source alongside the controlling statute. 9 CFR Part 89
What this source does not answer
- The cited sources do not decide whether a particular animal, movement, carrier, route, or vehicle satisfies the statutory scope.
- Species, interstate status, ownership, transport purpose, unloading facilities, weather, and the exact statutory exception facts require separate review.
- State transport, animal-welfare, inspection, and facility requirements are outside this federal-only guide.
What to check next
- Which defined term, threshold, date, or exception matches the operation?
- Which state or local source also applies?
- Which records, notices, labels, permits, or agreements are connected to the activity?
Official sources
Official federal authority
9 CFR Part 89 official eCFR text ↗
Statement of Policy Under the Twenty-Eight Hour Law