Dog rescued by lifeboat team after cliff fall

A brown spaniel, seen from high above, stranded on rocky beach.
Harley needed rescuing after falling 120ft (37m) down the side of a cliff [Swanage Coastguard]

A dog has been rescued by coastguard teams after falling 120ft (37m) off the edge of a cliff onto a rocky beach.

Swanage Coastguard and St Albans rescue teams were called to help on a coastal path north of Old Harry Rocks, on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.

Unable to use ropes to bring the spaniel to safety due to the risks involved, they requested assistance from Swanage RNLI's inshore lifeboat.

Its team was able to retrieve the dog, called Harley, and transport her to South Beach, Studland. She is not believed to have suffered major injuries.

The same view as before, seen from further away. The dog looks very small, stranded between the cliff face and the rocky shore.
The coastguard was unable to use ropes to retrieve the stranded spaniel [Swanage Coastguard]
In this view a lifeboat is seen from above in the sea. A crewmember has reached the shore and is making their way to the dog.
Swanage RNLI's inshore lifeboat reached the shore to save Harley [Swanage Coastguard]

During the rescue operation another collie-type dog was prevented from also running off the cliff edge after coastguard officers grabbed it before it was too late.

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A Swanage Coastguard spokesperson said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to keep dogs on leads near cliff edges.

"It only takes seconds for your family walk to end in disaster and even the most well behaved dog can become distracted by a scent or wildlife.

"If the worst does happen, call 999 and ask for the coastguard, just like the owner of Harley did."

A view of Old Harry Rocks from a cliff edge. Its large rock formations have eroded over time, forming picturesque gaps in between.
The coastguard has reminded people to keep dogs on leads on the coastal paths near Old Harry Rocks [Getty Images]

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