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Scotland plans licensing scheme for dog fertility clinics
The BVA has called for similar rules to be introduced in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Businesses will face mandatory inspections under the new rules.

The Scottish government has announced plans to introduce licensing for canine fertility businesses.

Under the proposed scheme, businesses that offer dog fertility services will have to apply for an annual licence and will be regularly inspected to ensure that they are complying with licensing conditions.

The Scottish government says the new licensing scheme will allow it to tackle unethical breeding practices and ensure higher standards of animal welfare.

A consultation held by the Scottish government last year saw 89 per cent of respondents express support for licensing canine fertility clinics.

Jim Fairlie, agriculture minister, said: “It is clear to me that there are significant concerns about the activities of canine fertility businesses. It is unacceptable that these businesses can operate with little in the way of regulatory oversight or accountability.

“Our decision follows careful consideration of the views expressed following public consultation last year, as well as extensive discussions with those in the veterinary profession, animal welfare organisations and local authorities.”

The move has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA). Alongside the BSAVA, the BVA last year published recommendations for licensing canine breeding services, strengthening enforcement of animal welfare regulations, and closing legal loopholes used by some unregulated breeding clinics.

BVA president Anna Judson said: “Of course, licensing can only be successful if it is accompanied by mandatory inspections, sufficient funding for local authorities, and tough penalties for anyone found to be operating outside the law.

“We look forward to working with the Scottish government in the development of a robust licensing framework.

“We are now calling on governments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow suit and act swiftly to address this pressing issue of dog welfare and breeding.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."