Dear Sir/Madam,

We write to update you on the outcome of the Veterinary Council public consultation on canine surgical artificial insemination.

As you may be aware, the Veterinary Council of Ireland is the statutory body responsible for the regulation and management of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the State, and acts in the interest of animal health and welfare, and public health.

The Veterinary Council has decided, in the interest of dog health and welfare, to update the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Practitioners and provide guidance to veterinary practitioners and the public on the matter of Canine Surgical Artificial Insemination, namely, to prohibit canine surgical artificial insemination by veterinary practitioners in Ireland. While the Council determined that the ban on canine surgical artificial insemination should encompass all breeds of dogs, it recognises that there is legislation in place that permits surgical artificial insemination in greyhounds. The artificial insemination of greyhounds is regulated under the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Act 2005.

This update and amendment to the Code of Professional Conduct is effective immediately and was pre-empted by a substantial process of research and engagement by the Veterinary Council on canine surgical artificial insemination. The updated position was arrived at following consideration of the information and views received in our public consultation, hosted in November 2023, seeking feedback from the public, relevant experts, and stakeholders.

The Veterinary Council, in considering canine surgical artificial insemination, agreed that the ethical and welfare issues arising from this procedure stem from the fact that the dogs undergo a highly invasive surgery to ensure pregnancy, and this presents an unacceptable level of risk for dogs.  The Veterinary Council considers there is no justifiable reason for this procedure in circumstances where a non-surgical, minimally invasive, and effective alternative exists. The risks and discomfort associated with undertaking surgical insemination are unnecessary with transcervical insemination now available.

Canine Surgical Artificial Insemination

Save where otherwise provided for in law, canine surgical artificial insemination, a non-therapeutic procedure, must not be performed in dogs due to ethical and welfare considerations and given the suitable alternative of transcervical artificial insemination.
You can access a copy of the updated Code on the VCI’s website here on our website.

The Veterinary Council thank all those who took part and contributed to our public consultation, which has culminated in the updated position reflected above.