From: joan friedland [jfriedland@fuse.net]
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2001 6:18 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Slaughtering of Downed Animals


Re: Docket # 98P-0151/CP1

   Please support the petition to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals.
   Downed animals are animals too sick or injured to stand. Animals too sick to even stand should not enter the human food chain, because of increased risk of bacterial contamination, and the possibility that some downed
cows may have a form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE),or "Mad Cow Disease".  BSE can be transmitted to people through the carcass and is an incurable, dementia leading to rapid death.
   There is no humane way to move a downed animal; they are typically dragged with chains, or lifted with a forklift, causing suffering and further injuries.
   Downed animals comprise a  very small percentage of animals slaughtered, and prohibiting their marketing would cause no undue economic hardship. In fact, removing the market for downed animals would encourage better
treatment and handling, thus preventing most downers in the first place.
   There is growing consensus for such a prohibition, even among livestock industry and government officials.
Numerous beef, dairy, and pork industry representatives have voiced support for such a prohibition.  The safety of the public demands that such a prohibition be imposed immediately.


Sincerely yours
 
Joan Friedland
5911 E Woodmont Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45213
(513) 351-5950