From: afallin@ncsbcs.org
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 2:37 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Downed animals - Docket 98P-0151/CP1

Dear Sir or Madam,

I regret that I do not have a name to address this too. I apologize if this email seems impersonal.

I am writing to urge you to please support Farm Sanctuary's petition to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals. This is docket number 98P-0151/CP1.

I eat meat, and I want to be sure that the meat I am eating is healthy and clean.  Just as important to me is the knowledge that the animals providing the meat were raised and slaughtered humanely. I was horrified to learn that there is such a thing as "downed" animals, and that often they are treated very inhumanely in the attempt to move them to slaughter. These animals should be left in peace.

I don't want to eat something that I know was dragged across the ground and dumped somewhere to await slaughter. For one thing, anything that would cause downed animals could be dangerous to me -- such as a bacterial infection. The incidence of "mad cow disease" showed that diseases afflicting food animals can adversely affect the humans that consume them.

Downed animals are a vast minority of animals that go to slaughter, but they suffer disproportionately. Industry experts estimate that 90% of downed animals can be prevented with better care and handling. Removing the market for downed animals will provide incentive for the industry to take better care of its animals. Ultimately, this helps those of us who consume them.

Most of my fellow meat-eaters out there don't know about this practice, but word is growing. This is a sick, horrible problem that is a blight on the United States. Most Americans want to be compassionate toward animals, even those they eat. That's exactly how I feel, so again I urge you to move forward in prohibiting the slaughter of downed animals.

Thank you,
Angelica B. Fallin