In March 2010, Farm Sanctuary filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, asking the USDA to extend the rules concerning "downer cows," cattle who are unable to walk or stand, to all livestock. If the USDA extends these rules, they would require any livestock, including pigs, sheep, and goats, who cannot walk or stand to be humanely euthanized and not slaughtered for human consumption.

On February 7, the USDA announced that they would accept public comment on the proposed rule change through April 8th, 2011. 

To submit your comment:

by Internet
Go here to submit your comment, or visit www.regulations.gov and search for docket # FSIS-2010-0041

by Mail
Docket Clerk
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS 
Room 2-2127 
George Washington Carver Center 
5601 Sunnyside Avenue 
Beltsville, MD 20705-5272

We'll also send this petition to Daniel Engeljohn, Assistant Administrator at Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Photo credit: A. Roger Davies