Royal Kennel Club Chairman Ian Seath has stepped down after the organisation’s Board voted not to re-elect him for a second term.
In a statement shared online, Seath confirmed that he did not voluntarily step down as Chairman. He said a 12-10 Board vote resulted in him not being re-elected and that he subsequently resigned from both the Royal Kennel Club Board and the organisation’s Health and Breeding Advisory Group.
In his statement, Seath reflects on his year as Chairman, thanks colleagues, staff and members for their support, discusses some of the challenges he experienced during his tenure and reaffirms his commitment to canine welfare.
Yappily Industry News is publishing Ian Seath’s statement in full below.
Ian Seath’s Statement
12 months ago, I was elected as Chairman of the Royal Kennel Club. It was not something I was expecting but I was pleased to have the opportunity to serve. It has been the privilege of a lifetime.
For the avoidance of doubt, I did not “step down” as Chairman. A small majority (12-10) of the Board chose not to re-elect me. At that point, there was no way I could continue to sit on the Board and I have also resigned from the RKC’s Health and Breeding Advisory Group.
I don’t think anyone could be prepared for what the role entails and the breadth of areas of the RKC’s work where the Chairman makes a contribution. In some ways, that’s what made the role so interesting.
It’s felt like a 24/7/365 role, albeit as a volunteer, and I have had incredible support from Jannine Edgar (Chief Executive) and her professional team of Executives and their staff. Over the seven years I have been on the Board, I have also worked with some amazing Director colleagues, whose commitment to the RKC and its mission have been constant. I should also thank the many RKC Members for their support and encouragement through some difficult times.
I won’t miss the relentless negativity and, in some cases, toxic and bullying behaviour from a minority of people in our community. Some of that happens face-to-face as well as online and none of it makes our world welcoming to newcomers, let alone longstanding exhibitors and participants. The world of pedigree dogs is under scrutiny like never before and all that negative energy could be so much better spent on addressing the issues that are spurring on ever more legislation.
My highlights have been the meetings with grassroots dog people at shows and other canine activities around the UK. I’ve been invited to so many occasions that celebrate the best of our canine world. The time and effort put in by so many dedicated volunteers is what makes our world work.
Without wishing to sound too much like Kier Starmer, I’ll now be able to enjoy more time with Sue and our dogs. I will also be able to devote more time to the Charity which I chair, Dachshund Health UK.
For me, it’s all about the dogs. Always has been; always will be. We are at their service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Ian Seath stepped down from the Royal Kennel Club?
Ian Seath said the Royal Kennel Club Board voted not to re-elect him as Chairman by a vote of 12-10. Following the decision, he resigned from the Board and the Health and Breeding Advisory Group.
Did Ian Seath voluntarily step down as Chairman?
No. In his statement, Seath said he did not voluntarily step down as Chairman. He said the Board voted not to re-elect him before he resigned from his remaining positions.
How long did Ian Seath serve as Chairman?
According to his statement, Ian Seath served as Chairman for 12 months.
What did Ian Seath say in his statement?
Ian Seath described serving as Chairman as “the privilege of a lifetime”, thanked colleagues, staff and members for their support, spoke about the challenges of the role and criticised what he described as “relentless negativity” and “toxic and bullying behaviour” from a minority within the pedigree dog community.
Official Statement
Ian Seath’s statement was originally published via the Our Dogs Facebook page.
If the Royal Kennel Club publishes an official announcement about the Board vote or the appointment of a new Chairman, I’d add a second section:
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