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Isn’t it time for New York dairy farmers to stop cutting off
cows’ tails?

Tail docking came into fashion in the dairy industry several years ago when many producers, especially large factory farms, decided that handling cows would be easier if their tails were cut off. They said it would prevent dirt on the cows’ tails from soiling their udders, improving the hygiene and health of both cows and workers. However, all the research that was done on the practice showed that tail docking provided no such benefits.

The only measurable results of tail docking are acute and chronic pain from the procedure itself — which is commonly performed by the application of a constrictive band that cuts off blood flow to the tail — and increased stress during fly season when cows can no longer ward off biting insects effectively.

With the help of our members, Farm Sanctuary has worked for several years to end the practice of tail docking. We urged the American Veterinary Medical Association to take a stand against the practice with positive results and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has also issued a position statement in opposition to routine tail docking. Last year, Farm Sanctuary helped gather celebrities together to come out against tail docking and in support of legislation that successfully banned the practice in California.

In New York, however, factory farm proponents are dead set against banning this cruel practice, and they are putting substantial pressure on your state legislators to defeat the bill. Don’t let industrial farm lobbyists stand in the way of this modest but important reform. Call your state representative today and urge him or her to support
A09732!

For maximum impact, combine your phone call with a quick and easy e-mail.