Senator Boxer Applauds USDA Move to Close Downer Cattle Loophole

May 20, 2008 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today applauded the decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue a rule closing a loophole in current law that can result in animals that are too sick to stand entering the food supply.

Cattle at sunset: Photo by Brad Smith (CC)

Senator Boxer said, “I applaud Secretary Schafer's announcement that USDA will be closing the downer cattle loophole. The Humane Society video released in January showed this loophole being exploited at a meat processing plant in California as well as the inhumane practices used to force downer cattle to slaughter. Closing the loophole will keep sick animals out of the food supply, it will improve public health and safety standards and it will help reduce the inhumane abuse of animals.”

In January, Boxer led the call for an investigation of the Hallmark meat processing plant in California after an under cover report showed violations of laws intended to prevent animal cruelty and preserve food safety. The investigation led to the closure of the plant and the largest beef recall on record. Boxer is also a co-sponsor of legislation introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) that would have closed the loophole, which currently allows cows that collapse after passing USDA inspection to proceed to slaughter.

Source: Senator Barbara Boxer

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