
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC2279e]

 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
                  CHAPTER 55--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
Sec. 2279e. Civil penalty


(a) In general

    Any person that causes harm to, or interferes with, an animal used 
for the purposes of official inspections by the Department of 
Agriculture, may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the 
record, be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of Agriculture not 
to exceed $10,000.

(b) Factors in determining civil penalty

    In determining the amount of a civil penalty, the Secretary shall 
take into account the nature, circumstance, extent, and gravity of the 
offense.

(c) Settlement of civil penalties

    The Secretary may compromise, modify, or remit, with or without 
conditions, any civil penalty that may be assessed under this section.

(d) Finality of orders

                           (1) In general

        The order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty shall be 
    treated as a final order reviewable under chapter 158 of title 28. 
    The validity of the order of the Secretary may not be reviewed in an 
    action to collect the civil penalty.

                            (2) Interest

        Any civil penalty not paid in full when due under an order 
    assessing the civil penalty shall thereafter accrue interest until 
    paid at the rate of interest applicable to civil judgments of the 
    courts of the United States.

(Pub. L. 106-224, title V, Sec. 501, June 20, 2000, 114 Stat. 455.)

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 2279f of this title.
