Downed Animal Provision Stripped in Conference Committee; But Issue Remains Alive in Congress

Efforts to pass an amendment protecting downed animals have failed. Although the amendment, offered by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), was passed by the Senate on November 5, 2003 in its version of the agriculture appropriations bill, the House rejected a similar amendment that was offered up to its version of the bill. Hence, the House-Senate conference committee was left to determine whether or not the amendment would stand. Unfortunately, on Tuesday (12/9/03), the downed animal protection provision was dropped in conference.

You may wish to express concern to Henry Bonilla (R-TX) who played a key role in removing downed animal protection language in the conference committee.

Rep. Henry Bonilla
202-225-4511

However, the Downed Animal Protection Act (as a free-standing bill rather than an amendment) still remains alive and strong in both the House and the Senate. H.R. 2519 and S. 1298 promise to be major issues for the legislature when the 108th Congress reconvenes in January. This legislation would also protect downed animals by requiring that nonambulatory animals, or “downers,” are humanely euthanized rather than being moved to slaughter. This in turn would create a profit incentive for livestock producers and handlers to treat their animals more humanely, so that they do not become “downed” in the first place. Currently, animals who are too sick or injured to stand or walk may be dragged, beaten, or pushed with bulldozers to move them to slaughter, resulting in horrendous injuries and suffering. Stay tuned for upcoming action on these bills in 2004!

For more information on the Downed Animal Protection Act, please visit http://www.nodowners.org/intro_dapa.htm.

Click hear to read Senator Akaka's floor statement

Click here for article from the
Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy