Coastguards are urging dog owners to keep their pets on a lead, following the death of a spaniel over the cliff at at Saundersfoot yesterday (Tuesday).

The six-year-old springer spaniel, on holiday with its owner from Kentish Town, London was walking with its owner on the cliffs at at Swallow Tree Gardens.

The pet was off the lead and bounded over the cliff while following a scent trail. The spaniel, named Linney, plunged 110 foot to the bottom of the cliffs. Both Tenby coastguard rescue team and the town's inshore lifeboat were tasked to the scene but could do nothing to save the animal.

The coastguard team comforted the owner while the lifeboat crew recovered the dog's body.

A spokesman at Milford Haven coastguard head quarters reiterated the importance of keeping dogs on leads on the cliff paths.

"If you have a dog and are walking on the coastal path always keep your pet on a lead, even if you believe it is the most obedient dog in the world," she said.

"New and exciting smells, sea gulls, thick bushes and unknown territory all add up to doggy heaven.

"Dogs do not understand that sea gulls take to the air as the land finishes and just beyond the thick bushes the cliffs fall to the sea many feet below.

"These are the reasons to keep your dog on its lead and to make sure your pet returns home with you after a fabulous walk around our wonderful coastline. "If we can save just one dog and prevent distress to an owner then the message is getting through."