Current Press Releases

Zogby Poll: Eight in Ten Oppose Use of Sick Livestock for Food

Diseased Animals Enter U.S. Food Supply Amid Concerns Over Mad Cow Disease

Watkins Glen, NY - March 30, 2001 - A Zogby America Poll of 1,000 likely voters across the United States found that 79% oppose the use of animals too sick to stand (i.e. 'downed animals') in the human food supply -- 8.3% consider the practice 'unacceptable' while 70.7% consider it 'very unacceptable.' But despite widespread concerns about animal suffering and human health risks, 'downed animals' are commonly marketed and slaughtered for human food in the U.S.

Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal protection organization, is urging the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals for human food. The organization has filed a legal petition which asserts that downed animals are 'diseased' and therefore cannot be used in the food supply (Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1). In a letter disagreeing with the petition, USDA stated "[laws, regulations, and past practices] clearly provide for the slaughter and processing of diseased animals for human food." Contrary to USDA's statement, however, USDA recently decided to stop buying meat from downed cattle for federal food programs, including the National School Lunch Program.

Farm Sanctuary's 'No Downers' petition is still under consideration at FDA. Thousands of citizens have written to urge that the petition be granted, and medical authorities are warning that downed animals present serious human health concerns. Mad cow disease expert, Michael Greger, MD, stated, "There is evidence that we already have a form of mad cow disease in the United States that is manifesting itself among downer cattle. Excluding downed cattle from the human food supply is a critical step in protecting the American public from mad cow disease." Even livestock industry representatives concerned about animal welfare, human health, and their industry's image have written to urge FDA to grant the petition.

It is practically impossible to move downed animals humanely, and they are commonly dragged with chains or pushed with tractors and forklifts, practices which cause injuries ranging from bruises and abrasions to broken bones and torn ligaments. Downed animals typically suffer for hours or days without receiving food, water, or veterinary care, and in many cases, they are left to die of neglect.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.