THE Coastguard has issued a fresh warning to dog owners after a dog sadly died in Brean Down. 

Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard was called at 2.19pm on July 15 to Brean Down after reports of a man searching for his dog that had been missing since Friday. 

The man, who is new to the area, decided to follow the tide out and walk along slippery rocks on the down. 

He later found the dog had sadly died. 

A spokesman for Burnham Coastguard said: "Two of our team members walked out to meet the person to ensure he was safe as there were reports he may of been trying to climb up to the side.

"When we arrived we found this wasn't the case he was holding his position as advised by the Brean Beach Warden.

"The two team members took it in turns to carry the dog back along the rocks and escort the upset owner.

"Due to the terrain this was a challenging recovery to make it back and avoid injury in the process.

"Once nearer the beach a third coast rescue officer (CRO) made his way out with some blankets to cover the dog and we carried it back to the owners vehicle.

"A sad but all to often outcome of walking along Brean Down with dogs off of leads.

"There is a lot of wildlife on the down and dogs love to chase them and will find themselves running off the edge while the wildlife is safe on a small ledge.

"While we have sympathy for any owner who loses a much loved member of the family in this way, we must point out that on any high ground pets need to be kept on a lead at all times.

"It was an good shout from the beach warden as to recover the dog on his own, the owner risked serious injury from the slippery rocks."

If you spot anyone in difficulty or danger along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.