From: Maryanne Appel [FREKUNVEGUN@prodigy.net]
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2001 4:53 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket No. 98P-0151/CP1

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dockets Management Branch

Re:  Docket No. 98P-0151/CP1

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Please grant petition 98P-0151/CP1 to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals.

Cows, pigs, and other animals who, because of injury, disease, illness, brutal treatment, or neglect, cannot stand - animals known as "downers" - should not be dragged to slaughter.  The inhumanity against these creatures that is inherent in such a practice causes them immense suffering.
 
There are, of course, human health reasons that I am sure you are aware of that would argue the case for prohibiting the flesh from these animals to become part of the human food chain, but I believe that the intense pain that downed animals endure when being dragged to slaughter should be enough to prohibit this practice.
 
Sick and/or disabled animals should never be sent to a slaughterhouse in the first place; however, if any of them do arrive at their final destination in a downed state, they should be humanely euthanized by a certified veterinarian as soon as possible.  This will not only minimize their suffering but will also discourage farmers from sending sick or injured animals to slaughter.

Respectfully yours,
Maryanne Appel
1409 Deer Meadow Ln.
Boothwyn, PA  19061-1925