A seaside walk in South Devon, England, took a dangerous turn when Bracken, a dog, became trapped in dense foliage above a near-vertical drop after her lead snapped.
Thanks to a swift, coordinated response, Bracken was thankfully rescued and brought back to safety.
Here's what to know
On Aug. 20, the Kingsbridge and Bigbury Coastguard rescue teams were sent to the cliffs between Ayrmer Cove and Westcombe after hearing reports of a dog in trouble, according to the Midweek Herald.
The Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team wrote about Bracken's rescue on Facebook. The team explained that "with it unclear whether the dog was simply caught in the gorse, or stranded on the cliff face … getting to the scene quickly was essential."
Officers were able to use their 4WD rescue vehicles to rapidly get near the area with the equipment required.
The rescue squad went on to write that "it became clear that … a technical rope rescue was needed … Coastguard Rescue Officers from Kingsbridge set up a rope-rescue system on a narrow section of coastal path."
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Bracken was later secured in an animal-rescue bag and brought back to safety. From there, Bracken was checked over, found to be uninjured, and eventually reunited with her owner in a field away from the cliff.
More background
As the rescue team explained, "We want to be clear that the owner did the right thing. Bracken had been on a lead, but the lead unfortunately snapped. With Bracken distressed and stuck, attempting a self-rescue could easily have resulted in two casualties. Calling for help was the correct decision."
On cliff paths, thick vegetation can create a false sense of security while concealing unstable ground or steep drops. Even a dog that was properly on a lead can end up in danger if equipment fails, as it did here when Bracken's lead snapped.
Dog owners should not scramble down cliffs or steep banks after a trapped pet. A panicked attempt can put another life at risk and make the rescue far more complicated for emergency crews.
Before heading onto exposed coastal paths, it can help to inspect leads, clips, and harnesses for wear, especially if they are frequently used in wet or salty conditions. Keeping dogs close in narrow, overgrown, or cliff-edge sections can also reduce the chances of a sudden slip or tangle.
If something does go wrong, getting professional help quickly is critical. Staying back from the edge, keeping the animal in sight if possible, and alerting emergency services can give rescue teams the best chance of a safe outcome.
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