Veterinary Welfare Commission

History

The Veterinary Welfare Commission was established in 2015 by the IHRA as the integrity body within the sport of Harness Racing. Its funding comes from within the sport itself through a Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the Board of the IHRA with some financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture.

Aims

The Veterinary Welfare Commission aim is to ensure animal welfare reaches the highest standard possible and its mission is to instil public confidence both inside and outside the sport of Harness Racing in Ireland. Its role within the IHRA is to cover all aspects of the integrity of the sport of Harness Racing in Ireland, with similar duties to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board for thoroughbred racing.

executive members

Chairman - Peadar Ó Scanaill, MVB

Peadar Ó Scanaill, MVB, the founding head of the VWC, was the President of the Veterinary Council of Ireland in 2018/19. The Veterinary Council is mandated by the government to regulate and manage the practice of all veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in Ireland in the public interest. Peadar brings the perfect experience and expertise for this new regulatory role.

Vice Chairman - Marcus Swail, MVB

Chairman - Peadar Ó Scanaill, MVB

Marcus Swail, MVB, the founder of EquiVET and Team Ireland Equestrian Olympic team’s veterinary surgeon, is the deputy head of the new VWC. Marcus has been in control of ensuring the welfare of horses representing Ireland at the very top level. His inclusion in the VWC is a great boost to ensuring and improving the integrity of the sport of Harness Racing in Ireland.