From: jess hackner [toadgirl44@hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2001 2:36 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1


I am writing in support of docket # 98P-0151/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.
Thank you for your time.



~Jessica Hackner




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