From: JEsther@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 9:07 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: downded animals



Re: Docket No. 98P-0151/CP1


To Whom It May Concern:


Please help us end the insidious downed

animal trade.  Since downed animals comprise

such a small percentage of animals

slaughtered, and prohibiting their marketing

will cause no undue economic hardship, I

implore you to help us eradicate their

horrendous and unnecessary pain and

suffering.


Besides, animals who are too sick or injured

to stand should not be even allowed to enter

the human ‘food' chain.  In addition to this,

it poses an increased risk for bacterial

contamination. There is even evidence that

some downed animals may be afflicted with a

form of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy

aka mad cow disease), a disease which has

been linked to a fatal human illness (CJD or

Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease).


It is literally impossible to move downed

animals humanely.  They are callously pushed

and shoved with tractors or dragged with

chains-inhumane processes which cause

injuries ranging from bruises and abrasions,

to broken bones and torn ligaments.


Since industry experts have estimated that

90% of downed animals can be prevented with

better care and handling, removal of downed

animals will provide an incentive for the

industry to prevent downed animals in the

first place.

Sincerely,

Judith Fish, 5134 Heron Ct. Coconut Creek, Florida 33073


                    

                    


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