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16
Jul
Society confirms sheep death at Harrogate's Great Yorkshire Show
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society has confirmed that a sheep died at last week's Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, where temperatures climbed to a high of 29C.
The Stray Ferret approached the farming charity, which has organised the show since 1838, after a person who was showing sheep at the four-day agricultural event said there had been 'a number of deaths' caused by the hot weather.
However, in a statement issued by the society this afternoon (Wednesday) a spokesperson said one sheep had died and the "cause of death is not known at this time".
The statement said:
Almost 2,500 sheep were exhibited at the Great Yorkshire Show this year, sadly one sheep died despite the attention of on-site vets.
The Great Yorkshire Show takes animal welfare very seriously and is recognised within the industry nationally for its robust approach.
There are vets on call 24 hours a day and on patrol in the pens and sheds. The show has two very large open sided barn-style buildings for sheep with an extremely high roof which allows for good air circulation all round and there is access to fresh drinking water at all times.
In addition to these measures, as part of our contingency arrangements for the warm weather, all staff and stewards were briefed to carry out regular checks of all the livestock lines and to report any welfare concerns to the veterinary team.
Last week's sell-out, four-day show, attracted 140,000 visitors, with sheep classes held on all four days.
Temperatures at the showground rose from 23 degrees on Tuesday to a high of 29 degrees on Friday.
A total of 8,500 animals were exhibited as owners and breeders vyed to win prized rosettes.
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