Northern Ireland: Expert Report Recommends Regulation of Canine Fertility Services

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published an independent report calling for the regulation of canine fertility services. It supplements the review of Northern Ireland’s dog breeding rules released in May 2026. 

According to the Expert Advisory Group, the provision of such services has increased substantially across the United Kingdom in recent years. In Northern Ireland, however, it is currently difficult to determine how widespread these activities are. This is due in particular to the lack of a specific regulatory framework and verified data. The report examines associated animal welfare and consumer protection risks as well as shortcomings in supervision and enforcement. 

The Expert Advisory Group sets out twelve recommendations. These include providing canine fertility services generally through registered veterinary practices, strengthening veterinary oversight, introducing licensing requirements for facilities operating outside registered veterinary practices and requiring veterinary assessments of whether dogs are fit for breeding. Additional recommendations concern artificial insemination, elective caesarean sections and the commercial use of stud dogs. 

DAERA will now examine the recommendations in detail and will also consider coordination with other UK jurisdictions.