NOT ALL DOG RESCUES HAVE A HAPPY ENDING

Coastguards are reminding people to keep their dogs on leads near cliff edges after Benji spent 24 hours at the bottom of a cliff.
Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team had just helped return an ill man to safe ground when the call came in that someone was about to attempt to recover their dog.  Almost 24 hours earlier, Benji had gone over the cliff and his owners feared the worst.
They returned the next day and were about to climb down when Belfast Coastguard was alerted and paged the Coleraine Team, who set up their specialised rope rescue equipment.  When they arrived at the base of the cliff they discovered Benji alive and returned him to his owners at the top of the cliff. 
Station Officer Chris Little from Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team said: 

 “This rescue shows just how important it is for dog owners to keep their dogs on leads near cliff edges and why you should never attempt a self rescue unless trained and equipped to do so.  
“Cliff edges can be slippery and crumbly, and your dog can be distressed and difficult to carry.  We use our specially designed bags to carry dogs up cliffs so that they don’t get injured, and we always carry dog biscuits to help calm them down.
“Benji was happy, lively and appeared to be uninjured when we rescued him, but his owners were advised to get him checked by a vet to be on the safe side.
“Thankfully this incident had a happy ending, but if your dog goes over a cliff at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  We have the skills and training to bring your dog back to you, without you risking injury to yourself.”



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