From: Mary Rigdon [rigdon@econlab.arizona.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2001 6:09 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1

To whom it may concern:

I am contacting you in regard to Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1, a landmark
policy to stop purchasing of meat from downed cows for federal programs.

Downed animals cannot be moved humanely, and they are typically pushed with
tractors or dragged with chains, resulting in injuries from bruises and
abrasions, to broken bones and torn ligaments.  Furthermore, the use of
downed animals in meat production poses an increased health risk to the
consumer from bacterial contamination and disease.

Prohibiting the marketing of downed animals will cause no undue economic
hardship.  Industry experts have estimated that 90 percent of downed animals
can be prevented with better care and handling.  Removing the market for
downed animals will provide an incentive to industry to prevent downed
animals in the first place!

Please be compassionate and grant petition 98P-0151/CP1 to prohibit the
slaughter of downed animals.  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Mary Rigdon
Tucson, AZ  85716