Dog survives falling from 100-foot cliff while chasing rabbits

By Charlie Fenton

A terrified terrier that plunged off a 100-foot cliff while chasing rabbits has been rescued after a daring mission by a coastguard team.

The dog was being walked along the scenic Marine Drive cliffs, in Douglas, Isle of Man, at 8:20 pm on Sunday, June 15 when it disappeared from its owner's sight.

The worried owner called the Douglas Coastguard when it was realized the animal had fallen and was stranded on a steep rocky slope.

Several coastguards attended the scene where - after establishing a holdfast - they quickly scaled down the cliff and rescued the pup.

A spokesperson for Douglas Coastguard said: "At 8.20 p.m. on Sunday, we were called to rescue a dog that had gone over the Marine Drive while chasing rabbits.

"Once on Scene we were able to establish the dogs location and were quickly able to establish a holdfast to enable us to be able to lower a cliff tech to the dog and recover him.

"We are happy to report the dog was soon back with his owner none the worse for his experience."

Locals took to Facebook after the coastguards posted about the rescues

One said: "That dog won't be doing that again - I'm sure the owner will be keeping the dog in the house for a bit."

Another said: "Great job and I'm sure the owner was very grateful."