OWNERS have been advised to keep their dogs on a lead during walks on high ground after a dog died after falling off the cliffs at Brean Down.

Members of the Burnham Coastguard and one RNLI lifeboat were called to the scene at 9.47am on Sunday, August 21 after the dog explored “a little too enthusiastically and disappeared from view”.

It was unclear where the dog was last seen and where it was heading, prompting two Coastguard members to launch a search effort from Brean Down Fore towards its highest point.

Others used binoculars to “keep a visual on the undergrowth for any sign of a dog moving through it”.

A lifeboat was launched from the RNLI’s Weston-super-Mare station after the Coastguard spoke to the Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

The lifeboat crew searched the base of the Down from the water, where they found and recovered the dog’s body to be brought it back to its owners.

A Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team spokesperson said: “Lots of people enjoy a nice morning walk along Brean Down. It’s especially nice to enjoy it with your furry family members.

“But today is a timely reminder that, no matter how well you think your dog is trained, or how good its recall is, they are still dogs that love to chase, run, and explore, so at all times they must be kept on leads on high ground.”

The spokesperson added: “The dog was placed on board the lifeboat and transferred to the north side to two team members. It was then taken to the visibly upset owners.

“A sad day for them, and a reminder why it is so important to keep dogs on leads at all times on any high ground.

“The day before, we had spoken to a family with a dog off-lead and advised them to put it on a lead. They said the very same thing: ‘My dog is very good and doesn’t run off.’

“This is always the first thing we are told when attending these incidents. Sadly, it only needs to happen once.”

A Burnham-on-Sea RNLI spokesperson added: “Very sad news. Please do heed this advice, though.

“No matter how well-behaved your four-legged friend is, on Brean Down it’s always best to keep the lead on.”