From: Hillary Hurst [hhhurst@home.com]
Sent: Monday, January 01, 2001 10:39 AM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Re: Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dockets Management Branch
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

Dear Sirs and Madames:

AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN, I AM WRITING TO ASK THE FDA TO GRANT PETITION 98P-0151/CP1

TO PROHIBIT THE SLAUGHTER OF DOWNED ANIMALS.

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.


Sincerely,
Hillary Hurst
Dallas, TX, USA