Lucky escape for greyhound Sandy after 60ft fall from Purbeck cliff (From Bournemouth Echo)

Lucky escape for greyhound Sandy after 60ft fall from Purbeck cliff

9:00am Monday 6th September 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(5)

A GREYHOUND survived after plunging 60 feet over a Dorset cliff on Saturday afternoon.

The Swanage coastguard rescue team and RNLI inshore and all-weather lifeboats were scrambled after the horrified owner reported the animal going over the edge between Studland and Old Harry Rocks.

The dog, Sandy, was brought safely ashore to be reunited with her relieved owner, who is believed to be a Bournemouth woman.

A Portland coastguard spokesman said: “The coastguard team took the dog and its owner back to the chain ferry before they made their way to their local veterinary surgery for treatment. Sandy had suffered a broken leg.

“We don’t know why the dog went over the cliff but it could have happened while Sandy was chasing a rabbit; greyhounds are quite partial to rabbits.”

The incident happened just weeks after a boxer dog called Tyson was killed and a cocker spaniel called Lola was rescued on the same evening after falling from cliffs near Durdle Door.

Portland coastguards warned people not to let their dogs off the lead and allow them to roam coastal cliffs.

Watch manager Maddy Davey said: “Dogs and cliffs don’t tend to mix. Losing a dog in such circumstances can be tremendously traumatic for the owner and their family, especially if the animal is a well-loved pet.

“Keep dogs on a leash on the cliff-top and keep them under control. Remember that your dog will be as unfamiliar with the terrain as you are. Dogs can become excitable at new smells and unfamiliar landscapes and they may want to take that step too far.”