Feds step in on slaughterhouse issue
May 21, 2008
We filled you in recently when the Humane Society of the U.S. released video of the mistreatment of “downer” cows at a Westminster livestock auction house. Earlier this month, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced it was investigating the incident, since the Westminster auction is licensed by the MDA.
Now, Washington’s stepped in.
Yesterday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer (left) announced a total ban on the slaughter at meat plants of “downer” cows - those too sick or weak to stand.
The change closes a loophole that allows a small number of downer cattle into the food supply if they pass veterinary inspection.
The AP reports:
Downer cows pose increased risk for mad cow disease, E. coli and other infections, partly because they typically wallow in feces. They are already mostly banned from slaughter, but under current rules can be allowed in if they fall down after passing an initial veterinary inspection, and then are re-inspected and pass that second inspection, too.
Some lawmakers and the Humane Society of the United States have lobbied Schafer to eliminate that exception, and the meat and dairy industry last month reversed its opposition and endorsed the change too.
Schafer announced the planned new rule to reporters following a 60-day review of conditions at the nation’s slaughterhouses. The department hopes to finalize the rule within several months.
JACKIE SAUTER, Web Editor
Sphere: Related ContentComments
Got something to say?
-
Business
Business postsLaw
Law posts- Garrett closer to getting a judge
- Can’t do the canned food drive
- Is Harrell the new Cathell?
- Uphill climb for gas-leak plaintiffs
- This week in Maryland Lawyer
- ‘Generally happy’ with billable training
- Law blog round-up
- Possible Enzyte trouble for Venable?
- Eiswert, Sherbin seek Garrett bench seat
- Blogger arrested for leaking songs
Recent Posts
- Bowie Baysox made the playoffs - if anyone noticed
- Garrett closer to getting a judge
- Wound up about design
- Loyola gets a nod for its tech offerings
Recent Comments
- Russell D. McGeorge: Don’t they still feel pressured to meet what they know to be the recent standard? If I...
- BeagleMom: I truly think it depends on each individuals situation and financial stability. With the economy...
- Kathleen Cook: Jeff is right. Not a proud moment. This one is doubly not proud. As the $1.5 mill wife, I was not an...
- Ginger Wassum: I was another unfortunate person who was traveling from another state on a quiet Sunday morning to...
- tfr: Yes. I have seen a deer in the City. Foxes too.
On Commenting
We ask that our readers follow a few guidelines, noted below.Please do not post any personal attacks, profanity, spam or other advertisements — they will be removed. Also, please post using only one name or pseudonym, as this consistency helps establish a sense of community. We will delete posts if they are signed with different names but originate from the same IP or email address. And if you’re going to comment using a proper name, please make it your own. Deliberate misrepresentations will be removed.