From: Andrea M. Bonito [abonito@wellesley.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2000 2:34 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Farm Sanctuary Petition 98P-0151/CP1

I would like to express my support for the granting of the Farm Sanctuary
petition 98P-0151/CP1 to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals, for
these reasons:

-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 (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or "Mad Cow Disease"), a disease
which has been linked to a fatal human illness (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease).

-It is practically impossible to move 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.

I support this petition entirely. 

Sincerely,
Andrea M. Bonito