TWO leading members of the Kennel Club of Jersey have resigned following allegations that they tried to nobble a judge during a summer dog show.

Treasurer Stuart Mottershaw and his wife, Pamela, the club secretary, handed in their notice this week following complaints of ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ in the club’s Summer Championships Show at the Royal Showground in Trinity on 2 August. It is alleged that the pair tried to influence a judge by telling him that the Afghan hound they were exhibiting – called Jacosta Black in a Flash to Elangeni – was about to become a Jersey champion. Under show rules, judges must not be informed about the dog’s history in order to avoiding prejudicing the results.

The club confirmed yesterday that the dog did not make it to the final in the competition. The couple, who have served on the committee and as officers for almost 20 years, resigned from the committee and Mrs Mottershaw (pictured) also resigned her full membership. The club’s committee this week wrote to the couple informing them that the complaints were being investigated. The couple have 14 days to respond to the allegations. If the committee finds them guilty the couple could face a range of punishments, including being banned from forthcoming shows.

Club president Steven Edwards (pictured), said: ‘I can confirm that action is being taken against Mr and Mrs Mottershaw and it is with regret that we have received their resignations.’ When contacted by the JEP, Mr Mottershaw said: ‘It is an internal matter and I have no comment to make.’