Federal bill would ban rooster air cargo with limited farm exemptions

What does this do?

HR 7371 would make it illegal for airlines to ship roosters as cargo on domestic or international flights originating in the United States. Farms earning $350,000 or more per year in farm income may still ship roosters if they submit qualifying documentation. Airlines that accept roosters without that paperwork would face financial penalties.

Who does it affect?

Small rooster owners, breeders, and hobbyists who currently ship birds by air would lose that option entirely. Large commercial poultry operations meeting the income threshold would be mostly unaffected, while airlines would need to add a documentation review step to their cargo intake process.

Why does it matter?

Congress cited aviation safety, the risk of spreading bird diseases, and the concern that air transport makes it easier to move roosters for cockfighting, which is illegal in all 50 states. The certification requirement is intended to make illegal rooster shipments harder to complete without blocking legitimate large-scale breeding operations.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Penalties apply to non-compliant airlines
• Penalty amounts not specified
• Farm income threshold: $350,000/yr