Happier Cows

On September 3, the California Assembly “moo-ed” their approval for a bill outlawing the unnecessary tail docking of dairy cows. Proponents say this common practice, in which a cow’s tail is removed, is more hygienic, but animal-rights activists argue that it causes pain and distress and leaves cows vulnerable to insects. Tail docking is condemned by the American Veterinary Medical Association and is already illegal in several European countries. Now the bill just has to be approved by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This may be easier said than done, based on his lack of interest in this issue due to the ailing economy.