From: VegeMarian@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 11:48 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: DOCKET NUMBER 98P-0151/CP1

To Whom it may concern:
Please grant petition number 98P-1151/CP1 to prohibit the slaughter of downed 
animals.  Please note:

* 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 (CJD or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease).
* It is 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% percent 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.

Please do the humane action and honor this petition.
With sincere thanks, 

Marian Dorn
PO Box 1291
Grand Junction, CO 81502