USDA Bans the Slaughter of Downed Cattle for Human Food

Farm Sanctuary Applauds Action to Prevent Animal Suffering

Published on December 30, 2003 by Farm Sanctuary

Every year, thousands of down cows, are dragged onto trucks and takens to USDA approved slaughterhouses. This cow, like most downed animals, came from an industrialized dairy operation. Photo: Farm Sanctuary

Watkins Glen, NY: At a press conference on December 30, 2003 in Washington, DC, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced, "Effective immediately, USDA will ban all downer cattle from the human food chain."

This ban on the slaughter of downed cows 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 Farm Sanctuary and other animal protection advocates, who have worked to end the inhumane marketing and slaughter of downed animals since the 1980s.

Many details are yet to be determined, but this appears to be a major development. Prior to today's statement, the USDA had consistently defended and advocated for sending downed cattle to USDA slaughterhouses.

"We are extremely happy that the USDA is agreeing to ban downed cattle from entering the human food chain. The ban will prevent enormous animal suffering by eliminating the cruel practice of dragging downed cattle to slaughter," stated Gene Bauston, president of Farm Sanctuary. "Removing downed animals from the human food chain will give farmers the incentive to prevent the problem in the first place. Ninety-percent of downed animals can be prevented with better care on the farm, according to the meat industry itself. Today's decision is good for animals and good for consumers."

Farm Sanctuary has campaigned to ban the sale of downed animals since 1986. In 1998, Farm Sanctuary petitioned the USDA to ban downed animal slaughter. The USDA formally denied the petition in 1999, but the lawsuit was reinstated by a federal appellate court on December 16, 2003, just one week before mad cow disease was discovered in the U.S. If the current ban on the slaughter of downed animals for human food remains in place, Farm Sanctuary will consider withdrawing its lawsuit.

Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading voice for farm animals, works to end farm animal suffering through legislative and legal actions, cruelty investigations, humane education, public awareness projects, and direct rescue and shelter efforts.

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