FDA + Downed Animals (Part II)

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd just send out a few more details. Below is an email that I sent

out to everyone I know (and then some) and found it very successful, especially

because all people had to do was say " Yes -- please put my name and address on a

postcard, and here is my address. " I even heard from a large number of

meat-eaters who are obviously concerned with the human health consequences, so

it's a great issue to bring forward and get a lot of support for. I think this

is something we can all do. You can get postcards from Farm Sanctuary

(www.nodowners.org), but I'll also bring them with me to Michael Greger's talk

this Friday for anyone who wants to pick them up from me. Thanks!

 

Hi friends,

 

Your help is needed, and your voice WILL make a difference. Please read on about

an issue that affects both human and non-human animals.

 

Some of you may know what a " downed animal " is -- it is what the meat and dairy

industries call animals who are so diseased or too badly injured that they

cannot stand or walk. Regardless of this fact, " downers " can still be sold for

human consumption, because as long as an animal is alive, a profit can be made.

(See http://www.nodowners.org/)

 

In addition to posing an increased risk for bacterial contamination, there is

evidence that some downed animals may be afflicted with a form of BSE ( " Mad Cow

Disease " ), which has been linked to a fatal human illness (CJD).

 

Because the animals are in such pain and are non-ambulatory (they can't walk),

it is impossible to move downed animals humanely, so they are typically pushed

with tractors or dragged with chains -- incredibly inhumane processes that are

some of the most difficult things I've ever witnessed.

 

You may be surprised to know that it is LEGAL and routine for these animals to

be sold for human consumption. What we are asking for you to do is help us URGE

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to BAN the slaughter of downed animals. If

you support this ban -- and it affects you, your children, and animals -- simply

send me (via email) your name and address. That's it! That's all I need. I am

sending a number of postcards to the FDA all at once and have set a goal of 500.

 

The postcard reads:

 

" RE: Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1

 

I am writing to urge you to grant petition to ban the slaughter of downed

animals (animals too sick even to stand) for human food, docket number

98P-0151/CP1. Granting this petition will help protect human health, and it will

also prevent intolerable animal suffering.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. "

 

These postcards will be mailed to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration along

with a cover letter that indicates how many people are supporting this ban. Only

when consumers are aware of such processes and speak out for change will real

change be made. Please support this ban!

 

Again, simply send me an email that says " Yes -- include my name and address, "

and PLEASE pass this on to friends and family. The more people who support this,

the more we can put an end to this cruel and unhealthy practice.

 

Thank you for your help and compassion. I look forward to your reply.

 

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" Don't do nothing because you can't do everything. Do Something. Anything. "

~Sasha

 

" As long as people will shed the blood of innocent creatures there can be no

peace, no liberty, no harmony between people. Slaughter and justice cannot dwell

together. " ~Isaac Bashevis Singer

 

" The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for

humans anymore than black people were made for whites or women for men. " ~Alice

Walker

 

" Nonviolence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution.

Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. " ~Thomas

Edison

 

Recipes & Cooking Classes: http://www.generationv.org/compassionatecooks.htm

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Colleen Patrick Goudreau

Senior Content & Creative Director

JustGive.org

phone (510) 238-5004

fax (510) 238-4809

colleen

http://www.justgive.org