WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is
applauding the U.S. Senate for approving an amendment that bans
the processing of so-called “downed” farm animals for human
consumption. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) introduced the
amendment during today's debate on the FY 2004 Agriculture
Appropriations Act, H.R. 2673. The amendment was accepted by
the managers of the appropriations bill and approved by voice
vote.
Too sick or injured to walk, “downed animals” are dragged,
electrocuted, beaten, and even bulldozed to move them to
slaughter, often for low-grade meat products. In addition to
humane concerns, the animals pose serious food safety threats
because downed animals are much more likely to be afflicted
with diseases that can be passed to humans. The cow diagnosed
in May in Alberta, Canada with Mad Cow Disease was a downed
cow. The single case of Mad Cow Disease had enormous economic
consequences for Canada’s entire beef industry.
“We are very excited that the U.S. Senate has approved this
important animal protection and food safety measure,” said
Wayne Pacelle, a senior vice president at The HSUS. “There can
be no excuse for abusing downed animals by pushing them with
bulldozers or wrapping a chain around their legs and dragging
them to slaughter. And why should we play Russian roulette with
American consumers by allowing downed animals to enter the food
supply?”
The House of Representatives narrowly defeated a similar
measure during debate of the Agriculture appropriations bill in
July. That amendment, authored by Representatives Gary Ackerman
(D-NY) and Steve LaTourette (R-OH), failed by a 199-202 vote.
The final outcome will be determined by a House-Senate
conference committee.
“In the wake of the Mad Cow incident that severely disrupted
Canada’s beef industry, the government is moving to ban the
transport of downed animals to slaughterhouses,” remarked Gene
Bauston, president of Farm Sanctuary, a national farm animal
advocacy organization based in New York state. “The U.S. can
learn from this experience by adopting a no-downer policy
before disaster strikes here.”
The HSUS has more than seven 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 has protected all
animals through legislation, litigation, investigation,
education, advocacy and field work. The non-profit
organization, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2004, is
based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the
country.
