Vets demand tighter rules for canine fertility clinics
There are estimated to be more than 300 unregulated canine fertility clinics in the UK.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) have called on the Government to regulate canine fertility clinics.
In a newly published joint policy position, the organisations say that a change in the law is needed to protect the health and wellbeing of the animals involved following a boom in the number of establishments offering canine breeding services.
The associations have told the Government that all canine fertility clinics operating without the direct involved of an RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon should require a licence and be regularly inspected by local authorities.
While there was only one known canine fertility clinic in the UK in 2015, there are now estimated to be more than 300. Some are carrying out medical procedures such as taking blood, ultrasound scanning, and trans-cervical or intra-vaginal artificial insemination without the involvement of veterinary professionals.
Investigations by the BBC have also found links between puppy breeding and organised crime.
The policy position also calls for increased penalties for individuals in breach of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, stronger legislation concerning the use of stud dogs and breeding bitches, and more to be done to help local authorities enforce regulations.
BSAVA president Carl Gorman said: “The surge in the number of commercial businesses offering canine breeding services in the UK, driven by an increased demand for puppies, is a real cause for concern among vets in small animal practice.
“The procedures advertised by some such businesses, if carried out by unqualified laypersons, pose potential risks to the health and behaviour of the dogs involved and also their puppies.”
Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA junior vice-president, added: “Our advice to anyone looking to get a puppy or to breed their dog is to always speak to their vet first.
“Ask any dog breeding premises the right questions before using their services to avoid getting duped. This includes questions around the staff’s qualifications and training, how they are regulated, and about relevant health tests to make sure the dog is fit to breed in the first place.”
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
