A tail positioning apparatus and method is disclosed including a hook (2) which engages an animal&rsquos tail (8) and moves the tail to one side by relative movement between the animal (7) and the apparatus. The apparatus is to be used in an automatic milking system where the hook (2) is attached to a lead-in bar held against the rear of the animal. In using the apparatus a clear path is created between the cows rear legs for access to the udders during milking.
