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Volunteer Rescue Saves Labrador from Narrow Ledge at Pecca Falls
By Drooid · · How we work
Rescue at Pecca Falls
A volunteer-run rescue team retrieved an eight-year-old Labrador named Penny after the dog became stranded on a narrow ledge at the base of a 40-foot (12 m) cliff beside a waterfall at Pecca Falls in Ingleton, North Yorkshire. The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon, with the initial call logged at 15:15 BST. Penny had first fallen into the river and then climbed onto a rocky outcrop about 6.5 ft (2 m) above the water before becoming stuck.
Rescue Operations and Techniques
Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO), a Yorkshire Dales charity, coordinated the response together with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue. CRO deployed a rope system that allowed a volunteer rescuer to be lowered safely to the ledge. The rescuer reached the dog and secured her before she was hoisted back up the gorge. Downstream, the fire service’s Ripon swift-water rescue team provided additional support, ensuring the river current did not endanger the operation.
Responding Organizations
- Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) – a volunteer charity specializing in cave and technical rescues in the Yorkshire Dales.
- North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue – the regional fire service, whose Ripon swift-water unit assisted with river safety and downstream monitoring.
Both groups emphasized the importance of coordinated volunteer and professional resources in remote, rugged terrain.
Outcome and Community Impact
Penny was reunited with her owners unharmed after the successful extraction. Local residents and visitors praised the swift, collaborative effort, noting that the rescue highlighted the value of volunteer expertise in handling emergencies that lie beyond standard emergency-service capabilities. The incident also reinforced public awareness of the risks associated with popular natural attractions such as Pecca Falls, prompting calls for clearer signage and safety guidance near steep riverbanks.