Donegal Mountain Rescue Team rescues sheepdog stranded in Bluestacks
The dog was reduced after it spent two nights stranded on a narrow ledge in freezing conditions
A stranded sheepdog has been rescued in the Bluestacks by the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team after it fell over a cliff.
The team was contacted by the dog's owner, a local farmer, late on Monday, November 9, after the dog had fallen from a cliff on Sunday afternoon and spent a night stranded on the ledge.
The farmer had made several unsuccessful attempts to reach the animal, prompting concerns that he could put himself in danger by trying again.
Donegal Mountain Rescue Team said it put the farmer in contact with its chairman before the team leader and risk committee approved a rescue operation for the following day.
On Tuesday, November 10, six team members met the farmer, who guided them to the location.
The team's new drone was used to establish that the dog was alive, pinpoint its exact position using a grid reference and identify the safest approach.
Following a lengthy walk carrying ropes and equipment, the team reached the crag and finalised its rescue plan.
A team member was then lowered to the narrow ledge using a technical rope system, allowing them to keep both hands free to secure the dog.
After giving the animal some treats, the rescuer and the dog were lowered together to the bottom of the crag, where the sheepdog was reunited with its relieved owner.
“We don’t normally take on this type of rescue,” a spokesperson for Donegal Mountain Rescue said.
“But the dog had spent two nights in freezing conditions, and we were concerned the farmer might risk his own life trying to save it. Command approved the operation for those reasons, and we’re delighted it ended well.”