From: Alison Luedecke [alison@lawthers.com]
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2001 9:52 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: docket number 98P-0151/CP1

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to urge you to grant the ASPCA petition to prohibit the
slaughter of downed animals - docket number 98P-0151/CP1.Animals who are
too sick or injured even to stand should not be allowed to enter the
human food chain. Not only do they pose an increased risk for bacterial
contamination, there is evidence that some downed animals may be
afflicted with a form of BSE (mad cow disease) and we must do whatever
possible to make sure this doesn't become manifest in our food supply.
It is impossible to move downed animals humanely, and it is my
understanding that 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. This is
horrible and should be subject to animal cruelty punishment, but this is
another matter. Downed animals comprise a very small percentage of
animals slaughtered, and prohibiting their marketing 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 do not allow this to continue.
Sincerely,
Alison Luedecke