ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Anheuser-Busch InBev is set to end a century long controversial practice when it comes to their famous Clydesdales.
On Wednesday, the global brewing company will stop cutting off the tails off their famous Clydesdales, seen throughout many of the company's public appearances and commercials after criticisms from animal rights groups like PETA.
"We have been campaigning hard since (February), going to the Clydesdales appearances, sending tens of thousands of emails from our supporters to their offices and anything we can think of to change the course of their care of these horses," said PETA senior VP Kathy Guillermo.
For years, Anheuser-Busch has cut off the tails of their Clydesdales using a procedure called “docking,” which can involve cutting through a horse’s tailbone.
The brewing company start docking the tails of their Clydesdales when they are young, traditionally done to prevent the tail from interfering with harness and carriage equipment.
But PETA, along with animal rights organizations like the Ethical Treatment of Animals, believed that it was still done in recent times for purely cosmetic reasons.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 10 states and multiple countries ban the procedure.
Guillermo says that the procedure of docking the tails of the Clydesdales can have long term impacts on their health.
"They rely on these tails to get rid of insects that can drain up to a cup of blood a day from these animals," say Guillermo, "It's also an important balancing mechanism for these animals. They rely on their tails to run, to stop, and to turn.
Anheuser-Busch says the 'safety of their Clydesdales remain a top priority.'
“The practice of equine tail docking was discontinued earlier this year,” a spokesperson for the company said. “The safety and well-being of our beloved Clydesdales is our top priority.”