Calif. bans 'downer' cattle in beef supply

SACRAMENTO, July 23 (UPI) -- The sponsor of a new California law banning the use of "downer" cattle in beef packing says his bill could become a model for the rest of the United States.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Tuesday signed the measure that was introduced by Assemblyman Paul Krekorian after an incident involving downer cows that led to a massive voluntary beef recall in February.

Schwarzenegger called the measure a strengthening of California' overall food safety.

Krekorian told the Riverside Press Enterprise Wednesday the law could be used nationwide to remove any financial incentive that packers might have for slaughtering sick animals.

Federal law allows the slaughter of downer animals after they are checked out by a veterinarian and deemed "ambulatory."