20 November 2025 – London: The Kennel Club has marked a pivotal moment in its journey towards financial sustainability and organisational renewal with a highly successful Special General Meeting (SGM) held on Wednesday 19 November.
This was an SGM of firsts: the first under Chairman Ian Seath, now in his fifth month since being elected shortly after the Annual General Meeting, and the first to be hosted in-house at Clarges Street, with 75 Members in attendance, and the first look at the organisation’s new visual identity. The event drew strong member engagement and delivered clear outcomes, including overwhelming support for governance reforms.
Andrew Lawson, The Kennel Club’s Chief Financial Officer, presented a detailed overview of the most extensive financial review in The Kennel Club’s history, and the corrective actions now underway. Set against the backdrop of the continuing year-on-year decline in breed registrations, the accounts show a £4.29 million loss for 2024, but also mark a turning point, with a ‘clean audit’, no evidence of fraud, and a clear path to recovery.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, shared progress to date against the 2025 business plan, building on information presented at the AGM earlier this year. She outlined The Kennel Club’s commitment to reach breakeven by 2026 and deliver a consistent £5 million surplus by 2030, enabling reinvestment into dogs, grassroots, and wellbeing. She also previewed The Kennel Club’s brand refresh launching next week, which will help expand its reach and relevance among more dog owners. This is the most significant transformation in the organisation’s history, honouring its rich heritage, while expanding its focus from pedigree dogs to all dogs across the UK. Highlights include:
- A new visual identity featuring the Royal prefix granted by His Majesty King Charles III
- A new Crufts Club launching in 2026, with pre-registration opening next week
- Expanded health and wellbeing programmes for every dog
The meeting also confirmed that Emblehope and Burngrange Estate is under offer, with the sale expected to deliver a profit and strengthen the Club’s financial position. Updates were also shared on committee appointments, rule amendments, and the evolving Membership model, all aimed at improving transparency and accountability. With reference to The Kennel Club’s work to improve governance, Vice Chairman Paul Eardley offered an update on the governance review and next steps, while Louise Paterson, on behalf of the Club Committee introduced a proposal for a new Membership model. These will be shared with Members in due course for their consideration and feedback.
There was one voting item on the agenda: a series of A Rules amendments forming part of the wider Governance Review. With a two-thirds majority required, the motion was comfortably carried with 530 votes for, 31 against, and 24 abstentions, representing 94.5 percent support.
The meeting closed with Chairman Ian Seath signing The Kennel Club’s new ‘Pledge to sportsmanship, civility, fairness and respect’ and inviting Members to do the same. Ian is a passionate advocate for kindness and respect, and the Pledge marks a visible commitment to a high standard of conduct across the dog owning community.
Ian Seath, Chairman, on behalf of the Board wishes to thank all Members who voted by proxy or in person, as well as everyone who helped deliver a well-run event. The organisation looks ahead with confidence, unity and renewed purpose.