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Warning as French mastiff puppy falls to death from Thanet cliff

A puppy has tragically died after falling from a cliff – sparking calls for a barrier to be erected along the seafront stretch.

Beau, a six-month-old French mastiff, was being walked along a path near Botany Bay, Broadstairs, at 8.45am yesterday when she unwittingly ran over the edge and landed on the beach below.

Beau died after falling from a cliff near Botany Bay, Broadstairs, yesterday
Beau died after falling from a cliff near Botany Bay, Broadstairs, yesterday

The injured dog was discovered on the sand unable to move her legs, and was rushed to a specialist in London.

But her owner, a mum of one, made the heartbreaking decision to put the young pooch down after being informed she would never be able to walk again.

“That would be no life for her,” the 29-year-old told KentOnline.

“We’re absolutely heartbroken because she was my child’s little best friend.

“She was just running along the green beside me when I turned around to pick up some dog poo, and I don’t know if Beau saw something, but when I turned around, she’d gone.

Beau fell from Prince's Walk in Broadstairs yesterday. Picture: Google
Beau fell from Prince's Walk in Broadstairs yesterday. Picture: Google

“My heart sunk. I knew she’d probably gone over.”

Beau was heading along Prince’s Walk when the accident happened. Her concerned owner was aided by two passers-by as she searched for her pet.

After Beau was discovered, she was rushed to Margate’s PDSA clinic in Northdown Road by another good Samaritan, before being referred to the vet in the capital.

“Beau didn’t cry once – she must have been numb,” her owner continued.

“In the car she was panting quite a lot.

Puppy Beau had severely injured her spine after the fall on the Broadstairs coast
Puppy Beau had severely injured her spine after the fall on the Broadstairs coast

“The London vet said we could spend £8,000, but she still wouldn’t be able to walk.”

Since yesterday’s incident, other pet owners have taken to social media to say their four-legged friends have been injured the same way.

One noted that her dog managed to survived a fall from the same spot six years ago, despite smashing his pelvis and shattering his leg.

And Beau’s grieving owner is urging Thanet District Council (TDC) to place a fence along the cliff to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

“If a dog or a child walking along there sees anything when you’ve got your back turned, they’re gone,” the Broadstairs mum explained.

“It’s so dangerous. I wouldn’t want it happening to someone else.

“There needs to be some sort of barrier. Something needs to go up to stop other pets or children from falling.”

TDC has been approached for comment.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet

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