COASTGUARDS from Watchet were called out on Christmas Day after a dog fell 90ft to its death at Lilstock Beach near Kilve. The team responded to an emergency request from the animal's owners who had been walking along the cliff top by the Royal Navy Observation Tower when the accident happened just before 3pm. The couple, from Street, summoned help because of the fading light and slippery conditions of the rocks and beach below. By the time the crew arrived, one of the owners had managed to run to the beach and reach the dog but it died of its injuries shortly afterwards. The coastguards were, however, able to take the owners and the dog back to their car at Kilve Beach. The incident has prompted the team to issue a warning to dog walkers to keep their pets on leads, particularly near unfenced clifftops. "And in the event of an animal going over the edge, never attempt to climb down or effect a rescue without calling the emergency services," said coastguard officer Simon Bale. "This time of year sees many walkers along the coastline enjoying the fantastic scenery that Somerset has to offer. "People should always remember to check the tide times, inform someone when they are going and at what time they are due back, and take extra care when the beach and cliff paths are wet and slippery."
