By Jake Lanning, West Bay Coastguard

In February, the West Bay team responded to reports of a Labrador cross that had fallen from cliffs near Freshwater Beach. We found the dog at the base of the cliffs with injuries to her head, face and legs being cuddled by her tearful owner. "I know it’s silly, but she’s a big part of our family," said the owner as her two children and husband looked on quietly.

This dog had a very lucky escape and after veterinary care returned home with her relieved family just 24 hours later. Other dogs have not been so lucky.

A few days before Christmas last year, coastguard officers from Lyme Regis and Beer had the unfortunate task of having to recover a two-year-old springer spaniel who had died after falling from cliffs at Goat Island, near Axmouth. After performing a rope rescue, coastguard’s returned the spaniel to its devastated family. It’s difficult to imagine what they must have gone through during what should have been a happy and festive period.

In 2017, coastguard rescue teams responded to 122 incidents involving dogs around our coastline. It’s fair to assume that not all of those had positive outcomes.

Coming from a dog family, I fondly remember all of the animals that have been present at various stages of my life. Dogs become cherished members of our family unit, and we must do everything we can to protect them as we would do our children, husbands, wives and loved ones.

Simply putting your dog on a lead near cliffs can help prevent one of the most avoidable accidents.

If the unthinkable does occur, never attempt to self-rescue your animal as you could be putting your own life at great risk. Instead dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. www.gov.uk/coastguardsafety