Dog show showdown
New Kennel Club turmoil as 6ft official is accused of assault on 5ft 3in pensioner
THE former head of the Kennel Club’s disciplinary committee has been accused of roughing up an elderly judge at a dog show.
Mark Cocozza, 50, who recently relinquished his post amid bitter infighting at the 145-year-old organisation, is alleged to have berated and attacked pensioner Steve Hall last Sunday at an event in Builth Wells, Wales.
Mr Hall, 70, a senior pedigree dog judge, has complained to the Kennel Club, whose patron is the Queen, and an investigation has been launched. It is understood that two onlookers have provided written evidence.
According to witnesses, 6ft-tall Mr Cocozza allegedly confronted Mr Hall when he saw him walking through the dining room during the South Wales Kennel Association championships.
It is claimed Mr Hall, who is 5ft 3in, was left visibly upset after an 80-second confrontation in which Mr Cocozza allegedly poked him aggressively three times in the shoulder, causing the pensioner to lose his balance.
The incident, which has been widely discussed on Facebook, was reported to Dyfed-Powys police, but Mr Hall is understood to be waiting for the outcome of the Kennel Club inquiry before deciding whether to pursue the complaint.
Last night he told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The altercation happened but I cannot say any more as I want it to go through the Kennel Club process.’
A spokeswoman for the Kennel Club confirmed it was investigating.
Mr Cocozza, who until recently chaired the club’s body that oversaw investigations and meted out punishments, said he was unable to comment due to ‘legal process’.
The inquiry is a new twist in a saga that threatens to tear apart the governing body for dog shows. Amid allegations of bullying and mismanagement, hundreds of members recently demanded a no confidence vote in board chairman Stephen Luxmoore, and Mr Cocozza and Jeff Horswell, who both held important committee roles in the organisation.
That threat appeared to have been lifted when Mr Luxmoore stepped down as chairman and the two others relinquished their roles, although all three retained seats on the board.
But The Mail on Sunday understands the events in Builth Wells could trigger efforts to oust them from the club board. The issue is due to be discussed at a special meeting on November 6.
Beverley Cuddy, of Dogs Today magazine, said: ‘The club appears to have lost all sense of responsibility if people are now fighting in shows.’