Scotland to tackle unregulated canine fertility services

23 August 2024

The Scottish Government has announced proposals to introduce a licensing framework for canine fertility businesses.

Businesses offering canine fertility services will need to be licensed annually and will be subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with licensing conditions. The intention is to tackle unethical breeding practices and ensure higher standards of care that protect animal welfare.

The proposals are in response to a Scottish Government public consultation from July to September 2023 to which BSAVA and BVA jointly responded raising concerns about the unregulated nature of businesses offering canine fertility services. The majority of respondents to the consultation supported the Scottish Government’s proposal to introduce licensing for canine fertility businesses.

Secondary legislation to allow for licensing of canine fertility clinics will be introduced to Parliament at the earliest opportunity.

Further information and background details on the Scottish Government’s proposals are available by accessing the following: https://www.gov.scot/news/licensing-canine-fertility-services/

The joint BVA and BSAVA policy position on canine breeding services, published in January this year, is available here: BVA and BSAVA policy position

Previous news articles and information on the topic are available here: https://bsava.com/article/bva-bsava-call-on-government-to-license-unregulated-canine-breeding-services-to-help-clamp-down-on-irresponsible-dog-breeding/