'KEEP your dogs on a lead while on high ground'

That is the message from Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard who is urging dog owners to take extra care of their pets after a dog died by falling down the cliff face at Brean Down.

The coastguard were called to Brean Down at 10.42am on Monday (February 11) following reports that a dog had fallen off the side of Brean Down.

Weston-super-Mare Coastguard were also paged and when both teams arrived on the scene they were quickly met by the dog's distraught owner.

Witnesses said they saw the dog trying to get back to safety but it quickly disappeared and was not seen again.

Weston RNLI conducted a search of the surrounding waters and the coastguard carried out a land search but the search was called off as the dog was not found.

A spokesman for Burnham Coastguard said the dog's owner was 'devastated' after being told their dog had not been found and urged dog owner's to take care of their pets

"The mild days are very busy on Brean Down, it's when many of us have the chance to get out and stretch our legs and take the dog for a nice long walk in the fresh wintery air and enjoy our open spaces.

"But even though Brean Down is a large open space we should also remember that it is very high.

"There is a lot of wildlife up there from birds and rabbits to larger livestock such as goats who are all used to the terrain and where to run to safety.

"This means there is a lot of sights and smells that dogs just can't help but explore.

"For these reasons we always advise that for their own safety, dogs should be kept on a lead while on high ground.

"The loss of a beloved pet in this way is very upsetting and we ask that comments are respectful.

"Let's use social media to help educate others and help reduce the number of dogs lost over the edge.

"Education is by far the best action in this instance.

"It was a sad ending to what started out as an enjoyable day."

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Before we all comment we would like to say that Brean Down is very wide and open with very long sloping sides where the sharp drop edges can't be seen, this can lead to a false sense of security where owners can feel that it is safe to allow their dogs off leads.

Also, the loss of a beloved pet in this way is very upsetting and we ask that comments are respectful, instead of a negative comment let's use Facebook to help educate others and help reduce the number of dogs lost over the edge.

Simply add this to your wall, or show your friends and add it to a dog community group.

Education is by far the best action in this instance.

As always in an emergency like this, do not try and reach the dog but immediately dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.