Ohio veterinarians given sole discretion over equine tail docking
Columbus, Ohio - Only licensed veterinarians may cut or amputate a horse's tail-and only if medically necessary, according to a new Ohio law.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Only licensed veterinarians may cut or amputate a horse's tail—and only if medically necessary, according to a new Ohio law.
House Bill 229, signed into law July 15 and effective Oct. 13, states that only licensed veterinarians may amputate a horse's tail due to accidents, malformation, diseases affecting the tail, or as a proactive measure to prevent injury. The bill also prohibits anyone from cutting or amputating any part of a horse to manipulate its natural length or proportions. The law also sets limits on the number of hairs that can be pulled from a horse's foretop, mane or withers for medical testing.
