National Sheep Dog Trials

Today's slightly cooler temperatures were welcome news for both man and dog as the second day of the English National Sheepdog Trials got underway in Devon.

Jeff Welch went along to the Castle Hill Estate to check out those competing for a place in the national team:

Dogs competing in the English National Sheep Dog Trials in North Devon are being given cold baths to help them handle the heat-wave.

150 dogs are taking part in the event at Castle Hill near South Molton over the weekend.

Dogs competing in the English National Sheep Dog Trials in North Devon are being given cold baths to help them handle the heat-wave.

150 dogs are taking a dip before and after competition and there's water available for them to drink on the course.

Handlers have been instructed to work their dogs calmly and judges will call off any dogs which push the sheep too hard.

David Kennard from the International Sheep Dog Society, which runs the trials, and is a local sheep farmer, said that the animals’ welfare was their primary concern:

“Sheep dog trialling is all about improving the welfare of sheep by working with highly trained dogs. The welfare of the dogs and sheep is central to how we run this event.

“Collies work in extreme heat and cold as part of their working lives and are fairly tough.

“This is not the first time that the trials will be run in such high temperatures and we will take all precautions to ensure both dogs and sheep don’t suffer.

“The irony is that after two years of worrying about what happens if the weather is a wash-out, I’ve spent the last two weeks planning for a heat-wave.”

The National Trials are taking place together with the Devon Country Fayre at Castle Hill.