From: Danes19@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2001 6:36 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Re: Petition
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationDockets Management Branch 5630 Fishers Ln.: 
Dear Sir or Madam: 

please look into your hearts and Help Ease the Suffering of Downed Animals 
Due to the horrendous conditions on factory farms, many animals become too 
weak and sick to stand up or move under their own strength. These "downed" 
animals are shackled, hoisted, and dragged by the leg or neck or pushed by 
tractors and forklifts to the slaughterhouse. The helpless animals suffer 
broken bones, torn tendons, and lacerations from this inhumane handling. 
     Studies reveal that most downed animals are fully conscious and suffer 
intensely during the process. All this, so that companies can make a few 
extra dollars.In addition to posing an increased risk of 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 that has been linked to a fatal human illness (CJD or 
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease). I am writing in support of a petition filed by 
Farm Sanctuary that would prohibit the slaughter of downed 
animals.  Please consider doing what GOD would want you to, and show 
compassion for speechless, helpless creatures.  Thank you. 
docket number 98P-0151/CP1 

                                                            Sincerely, 
                                                            Benjamin Domingo