Dog rescue from cliffs prompts coastguard warning

Dan the Border collie had been missing for several days

Dog owners have been urged to keep their pets on leads when walking near cliffs after a rescue mission saw a missing border collie hoisted 295ft (90m) to safety.

Dan's owner contacted the Isle of Man Coastguard on Saturday morning as he could hear his dog, who had been missing for six days, barking from below a coastal footpath at Peel Hill.

After the animal was spotted by a drone on a grassy ledge about 26ft (8m) above sea level at 10:40 GMT, a rope rescue was carried out.

A coastguard spokesman said while the rescue had a happy ending, not all incidents did.

A crew member scaled part of the cliff to rescue animal

The rescue, which involved the coastguard duty officer and Peel Coastguard rescue team, saw a crew member descend down a "particularly technical section" of cliff, the spokesman said.

He said the pet was then secured "after some coercion using some tasty dog treats".

"Dan was very happy to see his very relieved owner," he said.

"Not all incidents like this end with the dog being recovered safe and well.

"Unless your dog has an excellent level of recall, they can quickly get themselves in difficulty chasing wildlife or sheep."

The rescue took about one hour and 40 minutes

Posting on Facebook, the dog's owner Philip Ellis said he was "seriously over the moon" to have his "tired but happy boy" home.

He said he could not "believe we have him back" and it was a "massive bonus" he was fit and well.

"Some heavy recovery naps" would now be needed, he added.