The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) recently convened a collaborative meeting bringing together representatives from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW), RKC representatives, and breed community representatives to discuss the Innate Health Assessment (IHA).
Held at the RKC’s offices in London on 29 April 2026, the meeting marked the first formal discussion facilitated by the RKC between APGAW and representatives from several breeds that have identified concerns or challenges relating to aspects of the IHA framework. The RKC summarised the meeting and provided a report to the attendees and APGAW on 19 May 2026.
The discussion provided an opportunity for attendees to share perspectives, raise questions, and identify areas for further consideration in relation to the assessment tool and its potential application across the wider dog breeding landscape. Conversations covered a range of topics including breed-specific health considerations, welfare assessment criteria, implementation challenges, and the importance of protecting genetic diversity alongside canine health and welfare.
Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine Wellbeing and Engagement Officer at RKC said: “The RKC would like to thank all attendees for their time, expertise, and willingness to engage positively throughout the meeting. The meeting was constructive and open in nature, with all parties recognising the value of continued dialogue and collaborative engagement as discussions around the IHA develop further.”
Outlined next steps as a result of the meeting from the RKC will entail: collating breed-specific feedback and supporting evidence raised during the discussion; facilitating further focused discussions with relevant breed representatives and stakeholders; continuing engagement with APGAW and the wider breeding community.
Further updates will be shared in due course.