From: Stephanie Bell [jasperjosh@postoffice.worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2000 2:37 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: protect downed animals

December 27, 2000

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dockets Management Branch
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
fax: (301) 827-6870

Re: Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1

To Whom It May Concern:

I was pleased to learn that last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a landmark policy to stop purchasing meat from downed cows for federal programs, including the National School Lunch Program. 

Animals who are too sick or injured to stand should not be allowed to be slaughtered for human consumption. These animals, commonly referred to as "downers" in meat production, pose an increased health risk to consumers because of 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.

Please protect consumer health and stop the suffering of downed animals.

Respectfully,


Stephanie Bell
4328 Williams Ave W
Seattle, WA 98199
email: jasperjosh@worldnet.att.net



Stephanie Bell


Protect Pets and Wildlife
5200 University Way NE #201 Seattle, WA 98105
(206)526-0949 fax: (206)526-0989
bantraps@seanet.com  www.bancrueltraps.org