Tail Docking Guidelines in Wyoming

The Wyoming State Fair has implemented new tail docking guidelines. Every sheep born after Dec. 1, 2005, and exhibited at the 2006 Wyoming State Fair must be accompanied by certification that its tail has been inspected by a veterinarian for three coccygeal vertebrae. The tail length of a lamb can be contested for $50 collateral, which is forfeited if an x-ray shows that the lamb’s tail is the proper length.

A resolution passed by the American Veterinary Medical Association reads, “Cosmetic, excessively short tail docking can lead to an increased incidence of rectal prolapses and is unacceptable for the welfare of the lamb.”

Wyoming State Fair Implements Tail Docking Rules