WASHINGTON – A report released today by The HSUS reveals that
99 percent of comments received by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture favor a permanent ban on slaughtering
non-ambulatory cattle, or “downers,” for human consumption. The
USDA announced the policy late last year in response to the
first case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also
known as mad cow disease, in the United States. In January the
USDA invited public comments on the policy.
Of approximately 22,000 comments received by the USDA,
21,948 support the ban and want it strengthened, according to
USDA’s website. The agency released an initial batch of 5,216
comments for public viewing. The HSUS closely analyzed these,
finding only 139 that voiced opposition to USDA’s current
no-downer policy.
Today’s report notes that the agriculture industry is
somewhat divided, with major cattle ranching groups expressing
support for the ban. But several other trade associations
representing segments of industry such as dairy and meat
processors, along with some state agriculture departments, urge
weakening changes. Their comments reveal a backpedaling from
their initial support for the ban expressed during the days
immediately following disclosure of the high-profile case last
December in which a cow in Washington State tested positive for
BSE, prompting 58 countries to impose import restrictions on
beef from the U.S.
A common theme of those opposing the ban is to insist that
cattle should be allowed for sale if they are unable to walk
because of injury, rather than illness. In addition to the
possibility that the USDA could weaken or reverse the ban,
Reps. Dennis Rehberg (R-MT) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) have
introduced legislation that would permit animals unable to walk
because of broken bones, dislocated joints, nerve paralysis,
fatigue and other reasons to be slaughtered for human food.
But consumer groups, veterinarians, and others point out
that injuries are often tied to diseases that may not be
detected on visual inspection. Major retailers McDonald’s and
Wendy’s submitted comments urging the USDA to maintain its
current ban. Wendy’s states, “Determining the underlying cause
of an animal’s illness once it is nonambulatory is often
extremely difficult if not impossible.” McDonald’s concurs,
noting that “certain diseases (metabolic, viral, etc.) may
predispose an animal to become weak or uncoordinated, resulting
in an injury such as a broken leg….Clinical observation often
results in only diagnosing the obvious injury.”
“Those industry groups that are working behind the scenes to
once again sell meat from crippled cows should be careful what
they wish for,” said HSUS Chief Executive Officer Wayne
Pacelle. “The vast majority of Americans understand that this
meat poses serious public safety risks and involves intense
suffering for the animals. They want no part of it. USDA should
heed the overwhelming message of the 22,000 comments and keep
animals unable to walk out of the food supply.”
The report is available on The HSUS’ web site –
www.hsus.org.
The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection
organization with over eight million members and constituents.
The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active
programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife
and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals
and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS works to protect all
animals through legislation, litigation, investigation,
education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization,
which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in
Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country.
