W-b School Rivalries Back On Schedule

Ann Mashinski

Thursday, January 08, 2004 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 7A 





christian j. pilosiAt a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 30, in
Washington, D.C., Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced, ``Effective
immediately, USDA will ban all downer cattle from the human food chain.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 This ban on the slaughter of downed cattle is part of a government effort
to quell public concerns in light of the recent discovery of mad cow disease
in the United States. It is a historic victory for animal protection advocates
who have worked to end the inhumane marketing and slaughter of downed animals
since the 1980s. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Many details are yet to be determined, but this appears to be a major
victory for farm animals. Prior to today's statement, the USDA had
consistently defended and advocated for sending downed cattle to USDA
slaughterhouses. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The development is a tremendous step forward for the humane treatment of
farmed animals. The action will prevent enormous animal suffering. Downed
cattle, too sick or injured to even stand, are commonly dragged to slaughter
with chains or pushed with forklifts or tractors, and suffer from painful
abrasions, torn ligaments and broken bones. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 With the active support of many activists, Farm Sanctuary has been
investigating, documenting and exposing the cruel treatment of downed animals
since 1986. While the immediate catalyst for this ban has been the discovery
of mad cow disease in the U.S., their years of researching and compiling data,
and lobbying the USDA, FDA and U.S. Congress, provided the critical body of
evidence and the history of repeated animal abuses and food safety hazards to
substantiate the clear connection between ``downers'' and mad cow disease. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 For the complete 17-year history of their campaign to stop downed animal
cruelties, please visit http://www.nodowners.org/timeline.htm. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 And remember, there is only one foolproof way to avoid mad cow disease and
numerous other health problems, while at the same time showing compassion for
all of God's creatures - by going vegetarian. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Christian J. Pilosi &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Moosic &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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`downer' Cow Ban An Overdue Victory For Animal Advocates