On the 11th December 2004 representatives from The Irish Wolfhound Club, the Irish Wolfhound Club of Ireland, The Irish Wolfhound Club of Northern Ireland and The Irish Wolfhound Society held the inaugural meeting of what was referred to as the 'Joint Health Initiative'. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a new body to monitor and promote the health and welfare of the breed, and one that, it was hoped, would have greater effectiveness through a single united organisation acting on behalf of all four clubs, than the individual clubs alone.
It was agreed that health issues would be the main concern, but that the group's remit should also extend to cover other issues that may affect the future welfare of the breed. This might include potential animal legislation emanating from the EU/The Animal Welfare Bill and other legislation which may have a negative impact on the breed, such as the Dangerous Dogs Act. Also, under the heading of Welfare is the necessity to inform and educate the public so as to maintain the current good reputation of the breed.
As an umbrella body serving the wishes of all four breed clubs, the group will also be in a strong position to lobby the Kennel Club on such breed specific health and welfare issues.
The Group will not be responsible for Rescue activities, as these are already well organised and taken care of by the Clubs.
It was with this remit in mind that the title of the Group was agreed as the:-
Irish Wolfhound Health & Welfare Group
(IWHWG)
The Group sees it as crucial that the owners and breeders of Irish Wolfhounds see this as their Group, for their benefit. It is about the open exchange of information and the Group should be seen as accessible and approachable. The Group wants to hear from you and wants to table your concerns. Initially all contact/ correspondence should be addressed to the secretary at iwhwg@eircom.net although at a later date a website will be created.
Currently, the Group is in the process of prioritising health issues, initially collating all information available, both nationally and globally, on current breed specific and related research projects and invites anyone with particular health interests/information to contact them. The Group is also keen to ensure that any research projects that the breed is associated with are held accountable and are monitored and managed for regular feedback and developments.
Initially, the Group has received small donations from the four clubs to create start-up working capital, to cover basic overheads. The question of future funding will be the subject of further discussion with the breed clubs and their members.
| The Group's Officers are: | Chairman: Mr. Peter Pask, Secretary: Mr.Tim Finney, Treasurer: Ms Rebecca Peek, |
| & the Committee: | Miss Alexandra Bennett, Mrs Miranda Brace, Mrs Marion Finney, Mrs Elizabeth Hanley, Mrs Dagmar Kenis-Pordham, Mrs Jean Malley, Dr.Chris Taylorson, Mrs Janice Taylorson. |