Irish Wolfhound Health Group
 

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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 would also be in a strong position to lobby the Kennel Club on such breedspecific health and welfare issues.

The Group would not be responsible for Rescue activities, as these were 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 and Welfare Group
(IWHWG)

The Founding members at the inaugural meeting were:

Miss Alex. Bennet. (IWS)

Mrs. Miranda Brace. (IWS)

Mr. Tim Finney. (IWCNI)

Mrs. Marion Finney. (IWCNI)

Mrs. Elizabeth. Hanley. (IWCNI)

Mrs. Dagmar Kenis-Pordham. (IWC)

Mrs. Jean Malley. (IWC)

Miss Rebecca Peek. (IWS)

Mr Peter Pask. (IWC)

Dr. C. Taylorson. (IWC)

Mrs. Janice Taylorson. (IWS)

 
The Group saw 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.

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.