Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In 1958 there was only one way to get a bitch in pup. There was no other way. We have moved on a lot since then, in fairness. I am not trying to be awkward here but I cannot understand, when there are other ways of getting a bitch in pup, that this legislation is not dealing with them. This legislation will govern the industry for the next 20 or 30 years. Why is there veterinary supervision for artificial insemination but not for situations where frozen semen is being used? The same question applies if natural mating is occurring. We spoke earlier about animal welfare and while I accept that this Bill is not solely concerned with welfare, we must recognise welfare issues when they arise. If natural mating is going on, we are saying that a vet cannot supervise it to make sure it is being done correctly. Why not have legislation that is inclusive of all forms of mating?