Cow Tail Protection Defeated For Year In Colorado

DENVER (AP) - Dairy cows in Colorado won't need anesthesia or a veterinarian before having their tails cut. That's after the state House decided not to pursue a bill to ban the practice.

The bill narrowly cleared a House committee despite opposition from farmers. On Tuesday, a sponsor of the bill sought a delay until after this year's Legislature adjourns - killing the bill for the year.

Animal advocates argued that tail docking robs cows of their built-in fly swatters and causes pain. Few farmers dock cow tails the old-fashioned way, but those that do insisted it isn't cruel.

Colorado would have been the fifth state to require anesthesia for dairy cow tail docking. A sponsor said the bill may be revived next year.

LINK: House Bill 1231

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