Abseiler saves pet dog from gorge

Abseiler saves pet dog from gorge

Crown had fallen down the gorge while walking with his owner
An abseiler who went 50ft into a ravine to save an injured dog trapped in a rising river for more than 18 hours has been hailed a hero.
Craig Tinney, 28, from Acharn, near Kenmore, was one of 22 villagers involved in the search for the six-year-old Labrador Crown.

Crown plunged into the gorge during a walk with owner Tony May on Monday.

Despite efforts by villagers, the dog was not rescued until Mr Tinney descended into the ravine on Tuesday.

Carol May, owner of the family pet, paid tribute to Mr Tinney's bravery and said he had managed to reach Crown in the nick of time.

She said: "The vet confirmed that Crown could not possibly have spent another night in the water.

"What everybody did for us, particularly Craig, is just wonderful."

Cliff face

Mrs May first became aware of the dog's disappearance on Monday evening.

She said: "My husband Tony was out walking our two black labs at the Falls of Acharn, as he always does.

"It was about 6pm and pitch black when he noticed Crown was missing. Tony immediately sensed he had gone off the cliff face."

I don't know how he did it but my family will be eternally grateful

Carol May

Friends and neighbours of the family turned out to help look for the dog but after four hours of trying the search was called off for the night.

On Tuesday morning, Mr Tinney who is an experienced abseiler and gorge walker, decided to lower himself into the ravine to find Crown.

He spotted the injured dog in the water and lowered himself down.

Eventually, after calming the animal and checking his injuries, he was able to lift the dog out.

Mrs May said: "By some super-human effort Craig managed to climb back up the cliff while he was holding onto Crown.

"I don't know how he did it but my family will be eternally grateful."

Crown was immediately taken to a local vet, who confirmed he had dislocated a hip.

He is expected to make a full recovery.