Incident report

When the phone goes for a callout, you are never sure what the rescue will involve. Call out number 25 for the year was slightly unusual in that it involved a dog rather than a person.

A local resident was out walking in the Monsal Trail area with two dogs which had followed an animal trail away from the path. One then turned back but the spirit of adventure took the other across the river and up a steep slope towards the limestone cliffs, where it disappeared from view. A friend was enlisted to take the other dog home so that the dog owner could begin the search for the missing dog, but despite help from a local landowner it was clear the dog was on dangerous steep ground, and not responding to calls.

Realising that professional help was required the dog walker dialled 999 and asked for Police and Mountain Rescue. Very quickly team members arrived on scene to begin the rescue, which first required the dog’s location to be identified.

A team drone was launched to get an overview of the site including the best place to wade across the river. As light was fading the dog was found in a gully and made safe by team member Mark who reported that the dog was shaking with fear and appeared somewhat frightened.

After calming the dog, the next task was to wade back cross the river by torchlight, with safety cover provided by a member of the swift water rescue team.

Once on the safety of the river bank the dog was reunited with its owner to be walked back to the trail and the team vehicles.

A great outcome for a situation that could easily have gone differently. The dog owner very sensibly realised the terrain was potentially dangerous so called for help, which the team was delighted to be able to provide.

Vehicles were then returned to base for Covid-19 cleaning and preparation for the next callout.

Derbyshire Constabulary Peak-District-National park

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