From: Gordon Mader [GNMADER@yebo.co.za]
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2001 1:47 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket Number 98P-0151 / CP 1 and Senate Bill S.267

Dear Sir,

I hereby support this petition in favour of Senate Bill S.267, which
would  prohibit  the  transfer or sale of downed farm animals. This
situation  is causing  worldwide  concern even though it is by no
means unique to the United States.  We believe the United States
should set the example to other countries.
 
Owing 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). 
 
Thank you for your attention,
 
G.N. Mader (South Africa).