MAY DAY for Downed Animals. Stop the abuse!

Today is National Call-In Day for Downed Farm Animals! The Humane
Society's recent undercover investigation of the cruel treatment of cows
at a California slaughter plant has sparked renewed attention to
the downer issue, with several Congressional hearings and bills
introduced. Now it's essential that we keep Congress focused on
the issue and ensure they take action.

At the California slaughter plant, "downed" animals -- those too
sick or injured to stand and walk on their own -- were prodded
with electric shocks, dragged with chains, rammed with
forklifts, and subjected to other egregious abuse in efforts to
forcibly move them to slaughter. Downed animals may also be left
to languish without food, water, or veterinary care, and they
are at a higher risk of carrying harmful diseases.

The following bills have already been introduced and others are
in the works:

Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act (H.R. 661/S. 394)
to ban slaughter of downed livestock and require their immediate
humane euthanasia.

Downed Animal Enforcement Act (S. 2770) to ban slaughter of
downed livestock and establish stricter penalties for violations
of the downer ban and humane slaughter law.

Food Safety Recall Information Act (H.R. 5762) to require
release of names of retailers and school districts that
purchased meat, poultry, or egg products subject to recall, and
ban slaughter of downed livestock.

TAKE ACTION!

It is critical that Congress take action on this issue quickly,
to reduce animal suffering and protect public health. When you
call, you will speak to a staff member who will pass your
message along to your legislator. Remember to be polite and
professional, and leave your name and address so it is clear
that you are a constituent.

1. Please call your U.S. Representative, Jan
Schakowsky, at (202) 225-2111. You can say:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I'm calling from [your town]
to urge Representative Schakowsky to do everything
possible to enact legislation to protect downed animals --
including H.R. 661, the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection
Act, and H.R. 5762, the Food Safety Recall Information Act. It's
time to ensure that animals unable to stand are humanely
euthanized and do not enter the food supply. Thank you."

In Illinois:

2. Please call Senator Dick
Durbin at (202) 224-2152 and
Senator Barack Obama at
(202) 224-2854. You can say:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I'm calling from [your town]
to urge [senator's name] to do everything possible to enact
legislation to protect downed animals -- including S. 394, the
Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, and S. 2770, the
Downed Animal Enforcement Act. It's time to ensure that animals
unable to stand are humanely euthanized and do not enter the
food supply. Thank you."

or click here to look up your federal legislators and their Capitol office phone numbers.