Look after your best friend near cliffs

The National Trust is warning of the risks posed by cliffs after a dog miraculously survived a 100ft fall near Old Harry Rocks in Purbeck.

The Daily Echo Bournemouth reported (Wednesday January 18, 2012) that Bobby the cocker spaniel-poodle cross escaped with a broken toe and chipped tooth after soft seaweed cushioned his fall.

Old Harry is a popular dog walk but Bobby’s story underlines the need for owners to take care near the cliff edges, says landowner The National Trust.

The Daily Echo quotes Bobby’s owner, Kevin Rowell of Poole, saying: “Bobby was with us the whole time. But we took our eyes off him for 30 seconds and in that time he had bolted.”

The National Trust’s Purbeck General Manager Laurie Clark said: “We are often drawn to places like Old Harry by the spectacular views, but dogs may be more interested in chasing rabbits or seagulls and can easily run over a cliff edge in their excitement.”

“Sadly, every year we hear of dogs which are not as lucky as Bobby.”

“The Purbeck coast is an ideal place to take your best friend, but please be aware of where your dog is at all times. If Fido is feeling frisky, the safest thing to do might be to keep him on the lead while you are close to cliff edges.”

It took Swanage Lifeboat crew to rescue Bobby from the inaccessible cove where he landed, but the one-year-old dog is now recovering well at home.

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said: “This dog is very lucky to be alive.”

For more information please contact:

Jon Bish, Communications Officer, 01929 452309 / 07748 650131 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Find us online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NTCorfecastle