Useful reminder from the Coastguard and Maritime Agency. Ed
With the warmer weather making it more appealing to get out and about to explore the UK’s coastlines, HM Coastguard and Dogs Trust are urging dog owners to keep their pets safe on cliff walks by ensuring that they stay on a lead.
In the UK last year alone there were 227 coastal accidents involving dogs that required emergency assistance from Coastguard’s Rescue Teams.
Owners rescue dogs, Coastguard rescue owners
Coastguard Search and Rescue Manager, Roly McKie, says, “The common incidents we see are where dogs have slipped or bounded over a cliff edge because they haven’t anticipated the drop ahead. Owners will then risk their lives to rescue their dogs and our Coastguard Rescue Teams often get called out to help.”
Dogs Trust Chief Veterinary Director, Chris Laurence, explains, “We would advise all dog owners to keep dogs on a lead when on cliff paths as a protective measure. It can be tempting to let your dog walk off lead especially if that’s what they are used to and they are well trained, but accidents like this on coastal walks are not uncommon – keeping your dog on a lead can protect both you and your pet.”
Roly adds: “Just last month we dealt with a tragic case where a dog went over a cliff at Durdle Door in Dorset and sadly died from his injuries. His owners had taken him on this walk before so thought that he would be familiar with the route and remember not to go right to the edge, but unfortunately this wasn’t the case. We want people to enjoy the coast and this simple measure could save lives.”
Image: ©2008 Jason Swain, All Rights Reserved
