Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2024
392. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason greyhound bitches are the only breed of dog that can still undergo artificial insemination, given that it is a risky and painful procedure and has been banned for other breeds; if he will change this law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39639/24]
View answerThe Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) announced in April 2024 that it had updated its Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Practitioners to prohibit veterinarians from carrying out surgical artificial insemination in dogs due to ethical and welfare considerations. However, this new prohibition does not apply to greyhounds, as the practice is provided for in legislation under the Artificial Insemination of Greyhound Regulations 2005.
The report of the Working Group on Control of Dogs, which was approved by Cabinet in March 2023, and has been published online at gov.ie - Working Group on Control of Dogs (www.gov.ie), includes a recommendation that surgical artificial insemination in canines ought to be prohibited, where the word canine encompasses all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds.
Earlier this year I announced a public consultation on whether the practice of carrying out surgical artificial insemination in greyhounds should be banned or not. This public consultation has now closed.
My Department is closely examining this issue and will be providing me with advice on an appropriate course of action.
