Shepherd's anger at trailer theft (From The Northern Echo)
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Shepherd's appeal after sheep trailer stolen from Ferryhill farm
4:30pm Friday 1st February 2013 in News
By Catherine Priestley, Chief Reporter (Sedgefield)
Philip Shellhorn had his trailer stolen from a farm in Ferryhill.
A NOVICE shepherd has been angered by thieves who stole the trailer he uses to transport his flock.
Lorry driver Philip Shellhorn, of Ferryhill, County Durham, began shepherding a year and a half ago after watching sheep dog trials at a country show.
He was so impressed by the shepherds that he bought two border collies, Jack and Pip, a flock of nine Hebridean sheep and asked a farmer friend for use of a field for training.
He also bought a trailer to transport the sheep and has spent £1,000 and three months doing it up.
Between 4.30pm on Saturday January 26 and 2.30pm on Sunday January 27 the trailer was stolen from the farmyard at West Roughlea Farm, Ferryhill.
Mr Shellhorn, 62, said: “I’ve always loved and kept dogs and after being impressed at Wensleydale Show took it up myself, I really love it and have won four of the six novice handler competitions I’ve entered.
“I feel sick that someone has seen my trailer and nicked it.
“They had to cut through a double chain and it was a dark, snowy night, the trailer was down a long lane and across a farmyard so they needed a four-track.
“I hope someone can help me get it back for my hobby and I really hope it hasn’t been sold for scrap.”
Anyone with information or who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, which is opposite Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College, is asked to contact PC Jonothan Ruddick, at Crook police, on 101.
