Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Budweiser, has announced that it has stopped the practice of amputating the tails of its Budweiser Clydesdales after facing criticism from animal rights activists. The procedure, known as tail docking, has been denounced as inhumane by veterinary organizations and is banned in several countries. An investigation by PETA earlier this year documented the amputations at breeding and training facilities for the Clydesdales. The decision to end tail docking has allowed Anheuser-Busch to receive certification from American Humane, a national animal welfare organization.
Anheuser-Busch InBev has announced that it will no longer cut the tails of its iconic Clydesdale horses used in Budweiser commercials and events, following backlash from animal rights groups. The practice, known as "docking," has been criticized for being a crude mutilation and is illegal in several states and countries. Anheuser-Busch stated that the safety and well-being of the Clydesdales is their top priority. PETA, which conducted an investigation into the practice, celebrated the decision and announced a new partnership between Anheuser-Busch and American Humane, the world's largest certifier of animal welfare practices.
Animal rights group PETA staged a peaceful protest at a Budweiser Clydesdale event in Michigan, accusing the beer company of inhumanely altering the horses by amputating a portion of their tailbones. The protesters held signs and pictures of horse heads, claiming that the procedure is traumatizing and painful for the horses, affecting their balance and communication. The event organizers blocked the protesters, and police responded to maintain order. The event ended an hour earlier due to the protest. Tail docking is prohibited in several states and European countries, and PETA hopes to see the practice stopped.
