Tail docking of cattle

The AVMA opposes routine tail docking of cattle. Current scientific literature indicates that routine tail docking provides no benefit to the animal, and that tail docking may cause chronic pain and can lead to distress during fly seasons. Tails may be amputated on an individual basis when medically necessary by or under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian using procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain and distress, including the use of approved or Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA)-permissible clinically effective medications.

Literature review

Welfare implications of tail docking of cattle