Budweiser’s Clydesdales, one of the most iconic mascots in history, have captured hearts all around the world. Budweiser has been associated with these magnificent horses since the 1930s, thanks to their widespread public appearances and well-liked Super Bowl commercials. But Budweiser has changed, and animal lovers are applauding, in response to recent worries expressed by PETA about the way these horses are treated.
PETA Discovers Unsettling Behaviors
The animal rights group PETA started looking into how the Budweiser Clydesdales are treated earlier this year. They went to Grant’s Farm, where the horses are trained, and the Warm Springs Ranch breeding facility in Missouri. Surprisingly, Budweiser was chopping off the horses’ tails for show, PETA learned. Ten US states have outlawed this treatment, also known as “tail docking,” which is strongly opposed by the equestrian community.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners “condemns the alteration of the horse’s tail for cosmetic or competitive purposes,” as stated by PETA. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics are incompatible with the tail docking procedure. Since horses utilize their tails to ward off infections and insect stings, tail docking is not just an aesthetic problem but also a welfare one.
“The tail supports and facilitates insect defense, comfort, welfare, reproduction, and disease prevention,” says equine veterinarian Sid Gustafson. It is cruel and abusive to take a horse’s tail off. A horse’s balance is impacted by tail amputation, particularly when sprinting and turning, which may have long-term effects.
Big Adjustment Made by Budweiser
In response to overwhelming pressure from thousands of fans and PETA, Budweiser has made a much-needed modification. They’ve made a commitment to stop tail docking their Clydesdales. “The safety and well-being of our beloved Clydesdales is our top priority,” a spokesperson for Anheuser-Busch said. This year, the practice of tail docking horses was stopped.
“This victory comes after dozens of PETA protests, nationwide ad campaigns, and pleas from concerned consumers,” said Kathy Guillermo, Senior Vice President of PETA, in a statement celebrating the announcement. It lets other businesses know that abusing animals doesn’t make money. For Budweiser, which has a long history of cute mascots, including the renowned “wassup!” guys and Budweiser frogs, it’s a positive move. But since their debut in the 1930s, the Clydesdales have always had a particular place in the hearts of Americans.
The Clydesdales’ Lasting Legacy
Over the years, the Budweiser Clydesdales have continued to be the brand’s iconic mascots, appearing all over the nation. A mascot dalmatian has been with them since the 1950s. Their most treasured memories are frequently from the Super Bowl, where ads like “Puppy Love” and the 2002 “Respect” ad honoring the 9/11 victims have made a deep impression.
The news that the Clydesdales’ tails would no longer be needlessly amputated brings us relief. Fans of Budweiser all throughout the country have a particular place in their hearts for these horses. Let’s celebrate this wonderful development and spread the word about these amazing species.➕
