U.S. Senate Approves Amendment to Halt Abuse of 'Downed' Livestock

11/5/2003

From: Rachel Querry, 301-258-8255; E-mail: rquerry@hsus.org Gene Bauston, 607-583-2225 ext. 227, both for HSUS

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is applauding the U.S. Senate today 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 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 a couple months ago 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. That amendment, authored by Representatives Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) and Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), failed by a 199-202 vote in July. The final outcome will be determined by a House-Senate conference committee.

"In the wake of its 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. For more information, visit The HSUS' Web site -- http://www.hsus.org.