A WARNING has been issued after a number of dogs have fallen over cliffs at Brean Down.

In the latest accident on Sunday, an alsatian fell to its death when it ran off while the owners, from Bristol, were taking a walk at the popular walking spot.

Beach wardens were alerted after 3pm but there was nothing that could be done to save the pet.

The owners were said to have been distraught.

The National Trust, which owns the land on Brean Down, said despite repeated warnings as well as signs which were erected in 2011 telling people to take care and saying that dogs were “regularly” falling off the cliffs, deaths were still occurring.

National Trust spokesman Allan King said: “This is a very longstanding issue.

“We are getting several deaths a year due to dogs often chasing goats mostly during the summer.

“The goats are sure-footed and tend to stop at the edge of the cliff but the dogs don’t and then there is a tragedy.

“We have put up signs but we are issuing another warning for people to be aware of this risk. It is an open plan site and we wouldn’t fence it off due to the costs involved and the fact it is supposed to be open for people to enjoy.

“However this issue is upsetting and we would like people to be more aware of the dangers when they take out their dogs.”