From: Gabriele Baader [GBaader@ecologycontrol.com]
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2001 1:17 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: HSUS, CUT OUT THE MARKET FOR DOWNED ANIMALS, Docket Number
98P-0 151/CP1

"Downed animals" are cows, steer, pigs, and sheep who, because of grave
injuries or illness, are unable to stand or walk. Historically, the
livestock industry has treated these animals brutally: they are kicked,
beaten, and dragged all the way to the slaughterhouse to be killed and
rendered. Last year, in a landmark policy, the USDA announced: "USDA will
no longer accept ground beef that includes product from non-ambulatory
cattle, commonly known as `downers,'" for Federal programs, including the
National School Lunch Program.  Now, a petition has been filed with the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to completely prohibit the
slaughter of downed animals. By cutting out the market for downed animals,
the livestock industry will have more of an incentive to treat animals
humanely, euthanizing "downed animals" on-farm, and more importantly,
preventing the injuries that cause "downed animals" in the first place.

Please note that I strongly support Docket Number  98P-0151/CP1.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely
Gabriele Baader