Anheuser-Busch's announcement to discontinue the practice of tail-cutting on Budweiser's beloved Clydesdale horses has PETA rejoicing with the phrase "cracking open some cold ones." These iconic horses, renowned for their distinctive white feathered legs, have been prominently featured in Budweiser's advertisements for various occasions, including holiday seasons and the Super Bowl. However, the act of docking, which involves the trimming of the tail hair to a shorter length and potentially removing parts of the tailbone, has faced persistent criticism from animal rights organizations.
Anheuser-Busch stated that they had ceased the practice of equine tail docking earlier this year.
"Our utmost priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our cherished Clydesdales," commented a spokesperson for the company.
Earlier this month, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other animal rights organizations sent a letter to the company, urging them to immediately halt the amputation of horses' tailbones.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the removal of horses' tailbones has become a trend purely for cosmetic purposes in certain breeds, specifically for competitions or shows. The AVMA strongly advises veterinarians against performing surgeries that lack medical necessity. Furthermore, the AVMA highlighted that a minimum of ten states have already implemented bans on the practice of docking horses' tails.
The beer brand faces yet another controversy, as it previously lost its position as America's best-selling beer in June after receiving backlash due to a customized Bud Light can showcased on transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney's Instagram post.
