Scottish vets and cruelty watchdogs welcome plans to licence fertility clinics and other animal services

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Animal watchdogs have welcomed moves to crack down on unlicensed dog walkers, groomers and breeders.The dog-related services, which have exploded in recent years, are being lined up for new regulations with a proper licensing regime applied.The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on the moves, which will also cover pet accommodation services, greyhound racing and horse riding establishments.Mike Flynn, chief superintendent of the Scottish SPCA, said many criminals are being drawn towards puppy farming and breeding services because of the huge value of designer pups.He said that a proper licensing process with full inspections by vets would save many animals from suffering.Flynn said: “It is good news that the Scottish Government is moving in this direction.“I would fully support a licensing regime that involves, at least, an initial inspection by veterinary experts before any licence is granted.“At present breeding licences can be denied for people who have convictions for animal cruelty but it would seem sensible to me to extend that to other crimes, particularly serious organised crime.“There should be regular checks there should be meticulous records kept by any licence holder.“And there should be a system of enforcement when any breaches of the terms of any licence are detected.”Flynn said some breeds - like XL American Bullies - are being sold for more than £2,000 and many of the fertility methods currently used in Scotland are immoral.He said: “We have hearing situations where people with no veterinary qualifications are injecting dogs with pig hormones that can increase a litter from two or three pups to eight.“We are aware of unqualified people carrying out Caesarean sections and the administration of