From: Jan [tjtattoo@cpinternet.com]
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2001 8:55 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Cc: ssundlof@cvm.fda.gov
Subject: Re: Docket # 98P-0151/CP1

Re:   Docket #  98P-0151/CP1

Dear FDA:

Modern factory farms may be the greatest contributors to animal suffering.  Of the 9 billion animals killed in slaughterhouses every year, the suffering is compounded for "downed animals" --- animals who, because of illness or injury, are unable to stand or walk from the stockyard to slaughter.

Current law doesn't protect livestock from handlers who beat, kick, and drag these animals to slaughter, or from being pushed with a bulldozer into a "dead pile" where they eventually die from their injuries and illnesses.  It is truly heartbreaking.

As you no doubt know, Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) has introduced S. 267, the Downed Animal Protection Act, to prohibit the transfer or sale of farm animals who cannot walk because of illness or injury, which I heartily supported.  

I understand a Petition has also been filed with the FDA to completely prohibit the slaughter of downed animals.  I strongly support the Petition.  

Please consider the following:


    1.  Animals who are too sick or injured even to stand should not be allowed to enter the human or animal food chain.
    
    2.  In addition to posing an increased risk for bacterial contamination, 
    there is evidence that some downed animals may be afflicted with a form of 
    BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or "Mad Cow Disease"), a disease which 
    has been linked to a fatal human illness (CJD or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease).
    
    3.  It is impossible to move downed animals humanely, and they are typically pushed with tractors or dragged with chains - inhumane processes which cause 
    injuries ranging from bruises and abrasions to broken bones and torn ligaments.
    
    4.  Downed animals comprise a very small percentage of animals slaughtered, and prohibiting their marketing will cause no undue economic hardship.
    
    5.  Industry experts estimate that 90% of downed animals can be prevented 
    with better care and handling.   By removing the market for downed animals, 
    the incentive to industry to prevent downed animals in the first place will be increased.
    
    
Animal suffering and the threat to human health that the downed animal situation poses suggest that humane euthanasia is the only reasonable solution.  

Please approve the Petition filed with the FDA to completely prohibit the slaughter of downed animals.

Sincerely,
Jan Stern  1303 92 Ave.W  Duluth,Mn 55808
AnimalVoices
We Speak for Animals Everywhere

Humans aren't the only species on Earth -- We just act like it