From: Animal Liberation Queensland [alibqld@powerup.com.au]
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 10:25 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Downed animal slaughter

   DOCKET NUMBER : 98P-0151/CP1 
Food & Drug Administration

Dear Sirs
We urge you to support any initiatives to bring a humane end to the
slaughter of downed animals for the meat trade. There are several good
reasons why this approach should be supported and we believe there is no
sufficient scientific evidence to support this stand.
Please consider the following:

Animals who are too sick or injured even to stand should not be 
allowed to enter the human food chain as the safety of the meat cannot
possibly be guaranteed. In addition to posing an increased risk for
bacterial contamination,there is some evidence that some downed animals may
be suffering from a form of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or "Mad
Cow Disease"), a disease which has been linked to a fatal human illness
(CJD or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease).

It is impossible to move downed animals humanely, and they are
typically pushed with tractors or dragged with chains - inhumane 
processes which cause injuries ranging from bruises and 
abrasions, to broken bones and torn ligaments. This issue, in addition to
the sale of their meat, is one that should be address as soon as possible
by the relevant authorities. Here is Australia, livestock inspectors who
attend the delivery of animals for slaughter are licensed to shoot such
animals to end their suffering as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, downed animals comprise a very small percentage of animals
slaughtered, and prohibiting their marketing will cause no undue economic
hardship to the farmer. Those factors implicated in their falls can and
should also be addressed. In fact, industry experts have estimated that 90%
percent of downed animals can be prevented with better care and handling. 

Removing the market for downed animals will provide an incentive 
to industry to prevent downed animals in the first place. This is surely a
better solution for all concerned.

Your sincerely
Cynthia Burnett
Humane Education Officer
Animals Australia
  
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____________________________
Cynthia Burnett for
Animal Liberation Queensland

http://www.powerup.com.au/~alibqld