From: Doug Lenier [dlp50@mindspring.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2001 6:27 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Downed animals/Docket #98P-0151/CP1

Dear FDA,

As a member of the HSUS, I am writing to suggest that downed animals
destined for slaughter recieve special, humane treatment.
 I wish to make the following points:
  • Downers pose an increased risk for bacterial contamination. There is
also evidence that some downed animals may be afflicted with a
  form of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or "Mad Cow Disease"), a
disease that has been linked to a fatal human illness (CJD, or
  Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease).

  • It is impossible to move downed animals humanely.

  • Industry experts have estimated that 90% 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.

The American public is looking to the USDA and the FDA to eliminate
unnecessary food
safety risks, protect animals from needless suffering, and ensure that
the livestock industry's quality assurance programs are held to the
highest standards. The HSUS strongly urges the USDA and the FDA to
fulfill their responsibility to the public and prohibit the slaughter of
downed animals.

Sincerely,

Doug Lenier
6801 Mammoth Ave #14
Van Nuys, CA 91405