From: anitaBelfi [anita@ncweb.com]
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 2:38 PM
To: FDADocket@oc.fda.gov
Subject: petition

Re: Docket # 98P-0151/CP1

To whom it may concern:

   Please support the petition to prohibit the slaughter of downed
animals.
   Downed animals are those animals too sick or injured to stand.
Animals
too sick to even stand should not enter the human food chain, due to the

increased risk of bacterial contamination, and evidence that some downed

cows may even be afflicted with a form of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy,
or "Mad Cow Disease".
   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.

Signed,

Anita and Brian Belfi