Anheuser-Busch Has Stopped Cutting off Clydesdales’ Tails
Anheuser-Busch InBev has quietly stopped cutting the tails of the iconic Clydesdale horses used in its Budweiser marketing, a practice that drew ire from animal rights groups, a number of media are reporting.
The Clydesdale horses are a warm and fuzzy hit with audiences on TV and at hundreds of events across the country. But, especially at Super Bowl time, when they star in heart-tugging commercials, the issue of “tail docking” comes up. It involves cutting through a horse's tailbone, partly for cosmetic reasons and partly to prevent the tail from interfering with harness and carriage equipment.
(A handful of Clydesdale spots rank in the most loved Super Bowl commercials of all time. Try not to tear up at this 2013 one.)
"The practice of equine tail docking was discontinued earlier this year," a spokesperson for the company told the various media. "The safety and well-being of our beloved Clydesdales is our top priority."
Tailbone amputation for cosmetic reasons is illegal in 10 states and multiple countries, according to USA Today. The American Veterinary Medical Association has also condemned it.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other animal rights organizations raised a glass for the decision.
