From: sheila akehurst [SMACAIRE@netzero.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 7:55 PM
To: 'FDADockets@oc.fda.gov'
Subject: docket number 98P-0151/CP1


 I am writing to urge you to grant the petition to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals (docket number 98P-0151/CP1).Animals who are too sick or injured even to stand should not be allowed to enter the human food chain.

In addition to posing an increased risk for bacterial contamination, there is evidence that some downed animals may be afflicted with a form of BSE ( Mad Cow Disease), a disease which has been linked to a fatal human illness (CJD or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease).

It is practically impossible to more downed animals humanely, and they are typically pushed with tractors or dragged with chains--inhumane processes which cause injuries ranging from bruises and abrasions, to broken bones and torn ligaments.

Downed animals comprise a very small percentage of animals slaughtered, and prohibiting their marketing 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 for the industry to prevent downed animals in the first place.

Thank you for considering my comments and I urge you to make a decision that will spare needless suffering to these creatures we call food.

Please let me know of your decision in this matter via my email which is SMACAIRE@netzero.net or my postal address which is:

			Sheila Akehurst
			3533 Joppa Road,
			Baltimore, Md. 21234
 

____________NetZero Free Internet Access and Email_________
Download Now     http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html
Request a CDROM  1-800-333-3633
___________________________________________________________