Fake 'vets' are raking in massive profits in unregulated canine fertility 'clinics', including several in Northern Ireland where they are performing dangerous procedures on dogs.
She said: "In terms of canine fertility clinics where they are lay people, the maximum fine for conviction is £100. There's no incentive not to do it if you think about a clinic who's performing caesarean sections and how much money they're bringing in." While some non-invasive procedures can be carried out by unqualified people, all forms of artificial insemination and invasive acts involving intravenous blood sampling must only be carried out by a vet by law.
“It is no coincidence that their rise over the past few years can be linked to unscrupulous individuals cashing in on the huge demand for certain fashionable puppy breeds, like French bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds, who can struggle to mate or give birth naturally and can suffer from a range of health problems.
Now BVA is urging vets to report unregulated canine fertility clinics to relevant authorities as it doubles down on calls for urgent regulation. Dr Shotton said: “Our survey reflects the magnitude of our members’ concern around canine fertility clinics popping up across the country with no veterinary oversight and should serve as a wake-up call for urgent regulatory action.
Vets responding to BVA’s survey emphasised the need for stronger regulation of canine fertility clinics. Many vets also said that clinics should be inspected and given tough penalties if found to be operating outside the law.