Two dogs were rescued by coastguard crews after falling from 60ft cliffs at West Bay.

The incident happened yesterday afternoon (26/09).

West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team was called at 4.01pm by Solent Coastguard NMOC (National Maritime Operations Centre) to reports of two dogs that had fallen down the cliff face just to the South of Highlands End Holiday Park.

Officers from West Bay then picked up their equipment and rescue vehicle before heading to Highland’s End.

They were joined by officers from Lyme Regis and two senior coastal operations officers, who were in the area at the time.

Once on scene and under the command of the West Bay OIC (Officer in Charge) a roped edge safety system was put in place so an officer could safely approach the edge of the cliff and get a firm location on the dogs.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team said: “The first dog, a Cocker Spaniel, was found to be freely moving around the upper cliff levels whilst the second dog, a Collie, was lying injured and reluctant to move.

Dorset Echo:

Picture: West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team

“A full cliff rescue system was set up and a 'cliff technician' was lowered down the cliff face to the friendly dogs.

“The uninjured Cocker Spaniel was recovered first and placed into the teams 'Animal Rescue Bag’. Both the officer and dog were then winched back up to the top of the cliff where she was reunited with her owner. The officer was then re-deployed over the edge of the cliff to recover the Collie.

He added: “Unfortunately, the Collie who had injuries to his legs was unable to be moved without causing further pain and distress, so an emergency vet was requested to attend the scene. The officer was then recovered back to the top of the cliff pending the vets arrival.”

Once on scene, the vet was placed into a cliff rescue harness, given a helmet and briefed for the descent.

He was then attached to ropes with the cliff technician who took the vet down the cliff face to the injured animal.

The spokesman said: “Once with the Collie, the vet was able to administer pain relief and a sedative, so the dog could safely be put into the Animal Rescue Bag without any further distress.”

Once the dog was recovered, the Cliff Technician descended the cliff for the final time to recover the vet back to the top of the cliff.

The teams then stood down to return to their stations.

The spokesman added: “We hope that the Collie has a full and speedy recovery."

Onlookers told of the rescue.

One person said: “One of the dogs looked like it had injured its leg.

"It was hoisted to safety."

Coastguard warning

Coastguard have since issued a warning to dog owners.

It says: “The Coastguard recommend that you always keep your dog on a lead on the cliffs and coastal paths.

“Some dogs, especially smaller ones can have difficulty seeing the cliff edge and if the worst happens… NEVER, EVER attempt a self rescue as you could be putting your life needlessly at risk.

“Instead dial 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD who will send a specially trained and equipped cliff rescue team.”