Regulation of Canine Fertility Services Recommended in Northern Ireland

The group, chaired by Professor Gareth Arnott from Queen’s University Belfast, alongside veterinary surgeon Susan Cunningham and animal welfare legal specialist Vanessa Barnes, assessed the rapid growth of canine fertility services across the UK. They noted significant animal welfare, consumer protection, and enforcement risks associated with these services. Despite the limited number of commercial operators officially recognized in Northern Ireland, evidence suggests that services are also being advertised on social media and online pet-selling platforms, leading to uncertainty about the overall extent of these activities.

The Expert Advisory Group stated, "We thank all those who provided evidence and information to support this work. The evidence indicates that unregulated canine fertility services can present significant risks to animal welfare and that the current framework contains important gaps in oversight and enforcement. Our recommendations are intended to provide a pragmatic and proportionate basis for ensuring that any canine fertility services operating in Northern Ireland are subject to appropriate veterinary oversight, welfare safeguards and effective enforcement."

The report includes 12 recommendations focused on enhancing veterinary oversight and animal welfare. Key recommendations include:

- Canine fertility services should typically be provided through registered veterinary practices.

- Licensing of any premises operating outside these practices.

- Requirement for a responsible named veterinary surgeon and appropriately qualified staff.

- Mandatory veterinary fitness-to-breed assessments prior to offering fertility services.

- Regulation of artificial insemination, elective caesarean sections, and the commercial use of stud dogs.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir commended the publication of the report, recognizing the importance of veterinary oversight and dog welfare. He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach across jurisdictions while assessing the recommendations in conjunction with the review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. The Department plans to engage with various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive consideration of the recommendations.

The full report can be accessed on the DAERA website. The establishment of the Expert Advisory Group is part of a broader initiative under the Animal Welfare Pathway aimed at enhancing welfare standards in Northern Ireland. While the publication of the report does not mean acceptance of all recommendations, the findings will undergo the standard policy-development process, including consultations and assessments for practical enforcement and resources.