Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets safe after an animal plunged to its death off one of the north-east’s most notorious cliffs.
A lifeboat crew from Peterhead rushed to Slains Castle yesterday afternoon at around 12.30pm to try and rescue the dog after it fell, but there was nothing that could be done to save it.
It was the fourth time in recent years that RNLI volunteers have been summoned to try and rescue a canine that had gone over the cliff edge.
An animal welfare charity and a community leader both offered their sympathies.
Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent, said: “While we haven’t received any reports regarding this, we’re very sorry to hear of this incident. We always urge owners to be vigilant when out for walks, and would suggest local dog walkers keep their dogs on a lead.”
Councillor Alan Fakley, who represents Peterhead South and Cruden, added: “While I have sympathy for the dog owner and have huge respect for the lifeboat team that tried their best to help, our coastline is as dangerous as it is beautiful. I would implore people to keep their dogs on leads and keep them safe near cliffs.”
In March this year a dog survived a 40ft plunge from a window at the castle. A team from the Coastguard and a lifeboat crew from Peterhead carried out a rope rescue. Two years earlier a dog fell over a wall at the castle and had to be rescued. And in 2013 a dog died after a 60ft plunge at the same spot.