Cormac’s coast path warning for Cornwall dog owners this summer

Walking your dog along the Cornish coast this summer? A few simple habits could be the difference between a good day out and an emergency call to the Coastguard.

Cormac has put out a reminder for anyone heading to the coast path with a dog, asking owners to keep pets on leads near cliffs and clifftops.

Why the cliffs catch dogs out

The risk is rarely about the owner. It is about how quickly a dog can react to something you have not clocked yet.

Dogs can be startled and distracted by wildlife, waves, noises or simply unfamiliar surroundings, according to Cormac. In a split second, a dog can run too close to a cliff edge or straight into danger.

That gap between you and the edge matters. You can spot risks from above. Your dog cannot.

What Cormac wants you to do

The advice comes down to a handful of steps:

• Keep dogs on leads near cliffs and coastal paths
• Stay well back from cliff edges
• Keep a close eye on pets around wildlife, steep drops and rough seas

If the worst happens and a dog goes into the water, Cormac is clear about one thing. Do not follow it in. Move to a safe place and calmly call the dog back instead.

If it becomes an emergency

In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The message is short enough to remember on the walk. Keep your dog safe, and one lead could save a life.