Dog miraculously survives horrific 150ft fall in Peak District

A dog has miraculously survived a 150ft fall off a cliff after he slipped down the face of Back Tor in the Peak District last Tuesday.
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The incident, which prompted a major rescue operation, saw two-year-old Hungarian Vizsla named Walter, break his pelvis and suffer "catastrophic" bleeding.

But now the pooch is on the mend, as he was allowed to return home 24 hours after the fall following treatment at Park Veterinary Hospital in Sheffield.

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Walter fell at around midday on Tuesday, December 15, and members of the Edale Mountain Rescue Team were scrambled to the scene.

Walter is on the mend after miraculously surviving a 150ft fall off a cliff, sparking a major rescue operation. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNSWalter is on the mend after miraculously surviving a 150ft fall off a cliff, sparking a major rescue operation. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNS
Walter is on the mend after miraculously surviving a 150ft fall off a cliff, sparking a major rescue operation. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNS

Luckily, Walter’s owner Jonathan and three of his pals who he was walking with were able to get Walter up to a ridge track towards the rescuers.

A response vehicle met Walter with a vet on board who gave emergency treatment on the cliff. Walter was then rushed to the vets surgery for further medical attention.

His owner Jonathan Rice said: "All his Christmases have come at once. If I was on my own it could have been a different story.

The rescue operation by Edale Mountain Rescue Team. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNSThe rescue operation by Edale Mountain Rescue Team. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNS
The rescue operation by Edale Mountain Rescue Team. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNS
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"He has various injuries including pelvic trauma but he’s alive. As the vet said, all his Christmas had come at once, he’s a very lucky lad.

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"Walter is back home - now there's something that I thought would not happen. He's bruised, battered and has staples in that deep wound and broke a bit off his pelvis off.

A spokesman for the rescue team said they managed to respond quickly as the team leader was local.

Walter is recovering at home. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNSWalter is recovering at home. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNS
Walter is recovering at home. Picture by Edale Mountain Rescue Team /SWNS

"We had a visual contact with the party and could confirm with them that they were taking the best route off towards our RV.

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"The usual business of dealing with the kit after a call out still needed to be completed and kit was washed and gear replaced according to Covid-19 regulations. We wish Walter a full recovery."

Park Veterinary Hospital in Sheffield also confirmed Walter had a lucky escape and thanked the rescue team for their swift response.

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A spokesman said: "Walter was swiftly brought to us and received emergency treatment and x-rays. Miraculously all that was broken was a fragment of his pelvis.

"He had a wound which was treated and otherwise was just bruised. He stayed in for observations and pain relief and went home the next day.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.