Drama on the Cliffs as Toddler’s Dog Plunges into Thick Gorse
Sarah Wilson and her partner Luke Hooker, both 58, faced a heart-stopping moment when their three-year-old dog Bear went missing near the cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone. The pair had been walking Bear and their other dog, Alfie, just off Old Dover Road when Bear vanished.
From her home in WHITSTABLE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whitstable, Sarah recalled the panic: “Straight away I just had that horrible sick, sinking feeling in my stomach and just pure panic. I then heard this loud barking and realised what had happened.”
Fire Crews and Coastguard Launch Dramatic Cliff Rescue
The emergency response was swift. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) dispatched three fire engines, a technical rescue team, and a rescue rope team at around 6.50pm on 7 March. They teamed up with HM Coastguard to track Bear down.
- A drone equipped with thermal imaging scanned the dark cliff face.
- The heat signature revealed Bear trapped deep in thick gorse on the steep cliffside.
- Firefighters cleared a path to the bottom of the cliff and brought Bear safely back up shortly after 11pm.
Owner’s Warning: Double-Check Leads Near Cliffs
Relieved but shaken, Sarah shared her cautionary tale for fellow dog walkers: “It had been a really lovely walk and both dogs had been impeccably behaved. I can only imagine Bear saw or smelt something and ran off, and I hadn’t realised his lead wasn’t fully secure.”
She added, “From now on, both dogs will be wearing harnesses on walks and I’ll be double-checking their collars and leads before setting off. It all happened so quickly and just goes to show how important it is to take extra precautions. I’d absolutely urge all other dog owners to do the same.”
Sarah concluded, “I dread to think what could’ve happened. I’m just so relieved Bear is home safe. The crews were fantastic—calm, professional, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Rescue Boss Urges Caution Around Cliffs
KFRS Station Manager Chris Redmond praised the teamwork that saved Bear: “We’re really pleased we could work with HM Coastguard to get Bear back to his owner.”
He stressed the dangers: “Sarah did the right thing by keeping both dogs on leads. This was an unfortunate accident but a reminder for all dog owners to take extra care near steep cliffs or water. Stay well back from cliff edges.”
Chris warned sharply: “Please don’t try to rescue your pet yourself in dangerous situations—you could end up needing rescue too. Always call 999.”
