RNLI reunites injured puppy with owners after six hours trapped on coastal ledge

The charity’s volunteer crew at Ilfracombe, Devon, were called upon last month after the stricken pup, Betty, tumbled from an unstable section near the top of the cliff onto a tidal shelf below.

The 11-month-old rescue dog slipped the lead while on a walk and, spooked by the lead clattering behind her, fell from the clifftop. She was trapped on a small ledge, unable to go up or down for hours while a Coastguard team attempted a rescue.

Betty’s owner, Karen Porter said: ‘She’s still very scared of strange people so when the Coastguard team went down to get her, she got scared and tumbled over the edge down onto the beach below.

‘It was terrifying having her stuck down there, but everyone was amazing, I can’t thank the RNLI and the Coastguard enough, they were wonderful.’

Betty is now making a full recovery after breaking her front leg and suffering cuts and bruises. Karen said: ‘We’re amazed that she’s come out of this alive.

‘The vet is amazed at how well she’s healing so far – she’s been making a remarkable recovery. We go back in a couple of weeks for X-rays and then she can start exercising again.’

Ilfracombe volunteer crew member Matt Parr said: ‘It was a massive relief when we could see the dog on the beach and she looked ok. After a bit of difficulty calming her down, we got her into the boat pretty easily and she relaxed a bit.

‘The owner did the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard and not attempting to help Betty herself. It is a great feeling to be able to hand a much-loved dog back to its owners. They were so pleased to see her.’

Last year, the RNLI was called out to rescue animals 209 times, saving 164 dogs, 27 dolphins, two deer, a rabbit and even a snake.

Saved from the Waves published by Harper Collins is filled with first-hand accounts of the RNLI’s dramatic animal rescues and takes the reader on a journey with volunteer lifeboat crews as they face the dangers of the sea to save beloved pets, wildlife and livestock.

Saved from the Waves in paperback is available to order online from Amazon and all good bookshops, and is available to buy in hardback from the RNLI online shop: https://shop.rnli.org/products/rnli-saved-from-the-waves-book.

When visiting the coast with your dog the RNLI’s key safety advice is:

• Keep dogs on a lead if you’re close to cliff edges or fast-flowing rivers.
• If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck in mud, don't go after them. Move to a place your dog can reach safely and call them.
• If you're worried about your dog, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.