THE RSPCA and Coastguard have carried out a daring rescue of a dog trapped at the foot of cliffs near Noss Mayo.

The charity was alerted by local coasteerers Mike Waite and Matt Parven, who had spotted Jack, a nine-year-old jack russell in an inaccessible cove.

Jack’s owners, who were on holiday in North Devon at the time of the rescue, had lost Jack while walking on the coast path the day before. It is thought he picked up the scent of a rabbit, and lost his footing on the edge of the cliff while in pursuit.

Coastguard rescue teams from Yealm and Plymouth, assisted by Mike and Matt, managed to descend to the bottom of the cliff. Once there they were able to get Jack, who was extremely nervous, into an animal bag to take him up to waiting RSPCA inspector Beccy Wadey.

Inspector Wadey scanned Jack for a microchip, and was able to use the information to reach his owners.

She said: ’Jack had been missing since the day before, his owners were extremely relieved to get a call from us. It was very fortunate that Mike and Matt were in the area and saw him because he couldn’t get out of the cove and would not have survived without being rescued.

’It just goes to show the importance of microchipping your dog as we were able to reunite him with his owners straight away.

’He didn’t have a scratch on him which was remarkable, he is a lucky little chap.

’It was great team working between the public, ourselves and the Coastguard to ensure the safety of Jack.’

After a night at the vet for Jack, Beccy met the relieved owners halfway at RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter in Exeter, where they were reunited.

UK Coastguard Nic Longsdale said: ’Dogs often slip or bound over a cliff edge because they haven’t anticipated the drop ahead.

’If you’re taking your dog for a walk on cliff paths, we’d advise you keep them on a lead.

’It can be tempting to let your dog walk off the lead especially if they are used to it and are well trained, but accidents like this are not uncommon.

’Fortunately Jack was unharmed, but it doesn’t always end so well. If your dog does go over a cliff, don’t attempt to self-rescue, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’