The present invention provides improved latching assemblies for use in animal stanchions that are easy to remove and replace, that are better able to withstand pressures exerted by animals in the stanchions, and methods of removal and replacement that do not require removal of the support pipe nor removal of any other stanchion latches along the support pipe between the removed latch and the end of the pipe. Embodiments of the improved latching assemblies of the present invention include one or both of the features of (a) a removable lower portion, and (b) a reinforced pivotal section.
