From: C W [daisyveg@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2001 10:01 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: concern

DOCKET NUMBER : 98P-0151/CP1

It is my understanding that Farm Sanctuary and other animal protection 
organizations are lobbying to pass the Downed Animal Protection Act in 
Washington, DC.  This commonsense measure requires that animals who
are too sick to stand  (i.e. "downed animals") be humanely
euthanized at stockyards.

There are many reasons why this bill should pass, including:


1:  Animals who are too sick or injured even to stand should not be
allowed to enter the human food chain.

2: In addition to posing an increased risk for bacterial contamination,
there is evidence that some downed animals may be afflicted with
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).

3: 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.

4: Downed animals comprise a very small percentage of animals
slaughtered, and prohibiting their marketing will cause no undue
economic hardship.

5: 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.



Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Christi

OHIO

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