EJ Insight » Hong Kong
Breeders are resorting to artificial insemination to meet growing demand for guide dogs.
More than 1,700 visually impaired people are on the waiting list for seeing eye dogs of which there are only 45, the Hong Kong Economic Journal reports.
The Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services (HKSEDS) is seeking HK$1 million for a laboratory to speed up artificial insemination.
The procedure began last year, and last month, five labrador puppies bred artificially were born.
However, 20 to 30 people are added to the waiting list each day, lengthening the waiting period up to two years, HKSEDS said.
Chairman Raymond Cheung expects the five puppies to receive training after their first year.
He said they have great potential to become guide dogs because of their genetic makeup.
HKSEDS is offering donors a chance to name the puppies for HK$50,000 each as part of the fundraising.
Proceeds will be used to build a sperm bank and related facilities.
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