The Kennel Club Board has on Tuesday 1 July elected Ian Seath as The Kennel Club Chairman and Paul Eardley has been re-elected as The Kennel Club Vice-Chairman.
Ian has served on the Board since 2019. He has owned Dachshunds since 1980 and first judged the breed in 1991 and awards Challenge Certificates in all six varieties. He said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been elected as Chairman of The Kennel Club. I thank my fellow Directors for entrusting me with this role. Forty-five years ago, my wife Sue and I bought two Miniature Long Haired Dachshund puppies. I never imagined that would lead me on a path to where I am today, following in the footsteps of so many illustrious previous Chairmen.”
Former Chairman Tony Allcock OBE retired last week at the Annual General Meeting. Ian thanked Tony for his service as a Director, and Chairman since 2019, adding: “Tony has been ably supported by two Vice Chairmen in that time, Dr Ian Gabriel and Paul Eardley, and I am pleased to have Paul continuing in that role. I thank them both for their contributions.
“It is worth remembering that my Board colleagues, and many others across the dog world, are all volunteers who willingly and enthusiastically give up their time to support The Kennel Club and numerous canine societies. Without these volunteers we would not have a Kennel Club or Crufts or the hundreds of canine activities that run throughout the year. We all have a role to play in ensuring that when dog owners participate in our events, they have an enjoyable experience and a fun day out.
“I look forward to meeting the members in my new role as Chairman, and closely working with Chief Executive, Jannine Edgar, her executive team and all the dedicated staff at The Kennel Club.
“The Kennel Club has always been about dogs and always will be about dogs.”
Mr Eardley has been a member of The Kennel Club since 2003, was elected to the Board in 2017 and elected as Vice Chairman in July 2022. Paul has an interest in all Terrier breeds. His principal breeds are Australian Terriers and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. He awards CCs to 15 Terrier breeds, one Toy breed and is approved to judge the Terrier group at championship level.