From: Christine Buckley [ccbuckley@home.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2000 1:57 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Re: Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dockets Management Branch

Dear Sir or Madame:

I URGE YOU TO GRANT PETITION 98P-0151/CP1
TO PROHIBIT THE SLAUGHTER OF DOWNED ANIMALS.

The marketing and slaughter of downed animals is
unacceptable. Please consider the following:
* Animals who are too sick or injured to stand should not be allowed to be
slaughtered for human consumption.
* The use of downed animals in meat production poses an increased health
risk to the consumer from bacterial contamination and disease.
* Downed animals cannot be moved humanely, and they are typically pushed
with tractors or dragged with chains - resulting in injuries
from bruises and abrasions, to broken bones and torn ligaments.
* Prohibiting the marketing of downed animals will cause no undue economic
hardship.
* 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.

Thank you,

Christine Buckley
Olympia, WA