A DOG was rescued by a coastguard rescue team after it fell 120 foot from a cliff in Purbeck at the start of the year.

The spaniel, Harley, fell onto the rocky beach below the coast path north of Old Harry Rocks off Studland on January 2.

A spokesperson for Swanage Coastguard said Harley is not believed to have suffered any major injuries.

The Coastguard is now reminding dog owners to keep their four-legged friends on a lead if exploring the cliffs.

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“Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) were tasked to their second incident of 2025, supported by St Alban’s CRT – [a] dog over cliff on the coast path north of Old Harry Rocks.

“The owner did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the [Coastguard].

“Arriving on scene, the team quickly located the owner. Harley the spaniel fell 120 ft (over 35 metres) and was on the rocky beach below.

This was the second call out for Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team Picture: Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team

“Due to accessibility and risk associated with putting a Coastguard rope technician over the cliff, the office in charge requested assistance from Swanage RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) who would be able to, more safely, get Harley secure.”

The Coastguard said that while they were awaiting the Swanage ILB, they witnessed another dog narrowly avoid running off the cliff edge as they were not on a lead.

“It was only the quick actions of Coastguard Officers present by grabbing the dog that prevented this,” a spokesperson added.

“Swanage ILB successfully collected Harley from the rocky beach and transported her to South Beach, Studland where her owners would be waiting.

“At this time, we do not believe Harley has suffered any major injuries from the fall; owners were encouraged to take Harley to a vets immediately.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to keep dogs on leads near cliff edges, it only takes seconds for your family walk to end in disaster and even the most well-behaved dog can become distracted by a scent or wildlife.

“If the worst does happen, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard just like the owner of Harley did.”