Naturewatch Foundation
Naturewatch Foundation - Advancing Animal Welfare
The Scottish Government has said it plans to introduce a “strict” licensing framework for canine fertility businesses in the country.
This follows a public consultation in 2023. Specific details are yet to be announced and it’s not yet clear when the scheme will be introduced. However, the Scottish Government has said businesses will be licensed annually and subjected to regular inspections.
A step in the right direction?
Naturewatch Foundation has been campaigning for a crackdown on canine fertility clinics since 2021 and – thanks to your generous support – we’ve been able to build up a comprehensive picture of the sector in the UK.
Our investigations have shown the sector has grown substantially in recent years and that such businesses are often operated by unqualified personnel, despite advertising and performing procedures that should only be carried out by registered veterinary professionals, putting dogs at considerable risk of harm.
Canine fertility clinics flourished during the covid-19 pandemic as unscrupulous individuals and businesses became keen to cash in on high demand for popular dog breeds, like French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, who struggle to mate and give birth naturally because of their extreme body shapes. The rise of canine fertility clinics has coincided with more and more extreme-looking puppies being bred and sold, with breeds that already suffer from considerable health and welfare issues due to selective breeding being pushed to the limit.
Scotland is the first nation in the UK to commit to taking legislative action to regulate such businesses. The Scottish Government does not have powers to change veterinary law – something that can only be done by the UK Government – but it does have powers to take action using its animal welfare legislation.
At Naturewatch Foundation, we recognise there are pros and cons to licensing and, in submissions to the Scottish Government in 2023, we set out what we think a licensing regime would need to include to truly protect dogs and puppies from unscrupulous businesses. Mandatory veterinary involvement, comprehensive and regular inspections by properly resourced and trained personnel, and strict safeguards to ensure dogs are suitable for breeding are just some of the things that will be crucial.
Your support has made made this change happen
A spokesperson for Naturewatch Foundation said, “We’re pleased that the Scottish Government is committed to addressing the serious animal welfare issues posed by unregulated canine fertility clinics. Although we have some reservations about using animal activities licensing as the regulatory mechanism, we fully understand that the Scottish Government is taking action within its devolved powers. We are looking forward to engaging with the Scottish Government to ensure the eventual regime is as robust and enforceable as possible.
“We now need to see action taken across the rest of the UK, and we encourage DEFRA to review and respond to the recommendations outlined in the previous EFRA Select Committee’s Pet Welfare and Abuse report. It’s promising that the Labour manifesto included a commitment to ending puppy farming; addressing unregulated canine fertility clinics and low-welfare breeding practices will be essential in achieving that goal.”
To find out more about canine fertility clinics and our work to protect dogs from exploitation, visit naturewatch.org.
The post Scottish Government announces plans to license canine fertility services first appeared on Naturewatch Foundation and is written by Morwenna.