WASHINGTON – In a strongly worded letter sent this morning to
Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, The HSUS demanded that the
USDA implement an immediate ban on the processing of “downed
animals.”
The letter from HSUS senior vice president Wayne Pacelle
relayed the history of efforts by The HSUS and Farm Sanctuary
(a New York-based farm animal welfare group) to ban the
processing of downed animals. In 2002, both chambers of
Congress passed amendments to the Farm Security Act restricting
the transport of downed animals, but a conference committee
nixed the provision. Earlier this year, the Senate passed an
amendment banning the processing of downed animals for human
consumption, but the House rejected similar language by just
three votes. A conference committee struck the downed animal
language on December 9th – the very day that the Holstein
infected with Mad Cow Disease was processed in Washington
state.
“The Humane Society of the United States urges Secretary
Veneman to exercise her clear authority to immediately ban the
processing of downed farm animals for human consumption,” said
Pacelle. "There is massive public support for this policy, and
the linkage between downed animals and Mad Cow disease is now
undeniable. To allow the continued processing of downed and
diseased animals for human consumption is reckless and
irresponsible.”
According to USDA, there are perhaps 130,000 - 190,000
animals that go down ever year and cannot stand up again and
that are presented at slaughterhouses. According to the best
estimates provided by USDA for 1999 - 2001, nearly three
quarters of these animals are processed for human food – often
on the basis of only a visual inspection at slaughterhouses.
Even with the stepped-up testing program of the USDA, only
10-15 percent of downed animals are being tested for BSE.
“Secretary Veneman is emphasizing to Americans that our food
supply is safe, yet only 10-15 percent of the animals most at
risk for mad cow disease are being tested. Her reassurances are
clearly more an expression of personal faith, rather than a
reflection of sound policy,” said Pacelle.
The HSUS has long argued that downed animals are among the
most abused of animals in industrial agriculture. They are
often dragged by chains or pushed with bulldozers to get them
into a slaughterhouse.
The HSUS is the nation’s largest animal protection
organization with over seven million members and constituents.
The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active
programs in companion animals, wildlife, animals in research
and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. For nearly 50
years, The HSUS has protected all animals through legislation,
litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work.
The non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has
10 regional offices across the country. For more information,
visit The HSUS’ Web site – www.hsus.org.
