Schwarzenegger Joins Fight on Downer Cattle
US - The Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has signed legislation Tuesday to crack down on the sale of downed cattle for human consumption. The move comes in response to the largest beef recall in U.S. history."I am committed to ensuring California's food supply is safe and secure. With today's action, we are strengthening California's food safety laws and sending a message that violating these laws will not be tolerated," Governor Schwarzenegger said.
AB 2098 prohibits the slaughtering of non-ambulatory animals and prohibits any person from selling, consigning, shipping or accepting for shipment non-ambulatory animals. It also allows entities such as stockyards and auctions to provide veterinary care as an alternative to euthanasia.
Meat from non-ambulatory animals can expose consumers to an increased risk from E. Coli, salmonella and mad cow disease. The penalty for a violation of this bill is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $20,000 or both.
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