Recently proposed legislation in the state of California has brought the long-standing practice of tail docking among dairy cattle into public view. Senate Bill 135 (S.B. 135) was introduced earlier this year by Senator Dean Florez and calls for a ban on the practice of tail docking.

The California dairy industry is already at the forefront of eradicating this practice, with only 10 percent of farms participating in tail docking on some level, according to a University of California study. The practice of tail docking has been in existence for decades and is not limited to dairy cattle. Originally, tail docking of dairy cattle was thought to have several legitimate and beneficial reasons for application, including reduction of disease and injury (for the cow and farmers) and cow cleanliness and udder health. Recent research has shown that there is no scientific benefit to the practice of tail-docking and the practice is opposed by numerous animal welfare, scientific and veterinary organizations.

S.B. 135 has passed in the California State Senate and the Assembly.