After mounting pressure from animal rights groups such as PETA, American beer giant Anheuser-Busch have stopped docking the tails of its iconic Clydesdales.
The company behind Budweiser issued a statement that read in part, “the practice of equine tail docking was discontinued earlier this year.” The company had been under fire for the practice, which essentially amputates the lower bony portion of the tail so that it won’t interfere with the harness or wagon. “Docking” goes back centuries and across other breeds of horses, but the famous Clydesdales, long a fan favourite for their heartwarming appearances in Super Bowl commercials, will now be spared.
In addition to the pain of such a procedure, docking also stops horses from being able to flick away flies and other insects, and communicating with each other. The brewery brand made the announcement last week and the mainstream press quickly galloped away with the story.