Dog rescued after chasing tahr down Table Mountain

An evening run on Table Mountain took an unexpected turn when a dog chased a mountain goat down a steep slope, leaving rescuers to bring the stranded pup back to safety.

The incident happened near Spring Buttress on Thursday night, 15 October, after the dog spotted a tahr while out running with its owner along the Pipe Track.

The chase ended with the adventurous hound stranded on a narrow ledge about 80 metres below the trail, unable to make its way back up.

Rescuers called in to save stranded dog

After following his dog partway down the slope, the owner realised he could not safely reach his pet and called Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) for assistance.

A rescue team was dispatched to retrieve the dog from the mountainside.

Using a rope system, one rescuer was lowered to the ledge where the dog was waiting. The hound was safely secured in a rope bag before being hoisted back up to the trail.

The operation ended at 22:45 on Thursday, with the dog and rescuers safely back on the trail.

A reminder to put mountain safety first

While the tahr escaped the encounter, the incident highlights how quickly an ordinary outing on Table Mountain can turn into an emergency when dogs venture off the trail.

WSAR reminded the public to avoid taking unnecessary risks when faced with a mountain emergency and to call for assistance early.

The organisation also encouraged people to save its emergency contact number for situations where they or their adventure companions need help.

WSAR emergency number: 021 937 0300

Wilderness Search and Rescue is a network of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations that work together during search-and-rescue operations.

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**Picture: **WSAR /Facebook

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