From: Lynne & Eric Smith [ehsmith@erols.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 8:38 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Downed animals -- Stop the slaughter

Reference Docket No. 98P-0151/CP1

Dear FDA,  I am writing to urge that you grant Petition 98P-0151/CP1, to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals.  You should do this for the following reasons:

    It is disgusting and completely unacceptable that the flesh of animals so sick and/or injured that they were unable to stand should be sold to unsuspecting Americans as food.  

    If the slaughter of "downers" were prohibited, the meat industry would have a real incentive to reduce the incidence of "downed" animals in the first place.  This is important.  These are living creatures whose unfortunate fate it is to be considered only as flesh for humans to kill and eat.  At the very least, we have an obligation to carry out their killing with as little pain and fear as possible.  "Downed" animals are treated as so much trash, typically dragged by chains or pushed by tractors or bulldozers, breaking bones, tearing ligaments and flesh.  There is simply no excuse for this type of treatment.  Some industry experts have estimated that 90% of "downed" animals could be prevented with proper care and handling.  If there is no market for "downed" animals at the slaughterhouse, perhaps the industry will find ways to prevent "downing" in the first place.

Respectfully yours,

Lynne Smith
2202 Richland Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910