A VOLUNTEER cave rescue team has been called in to help search for a missing dog from Liverton.

Devon Cave Rescue Organisation stepped in to scour the cliffs between Labrador Bay and Shaldon in the hunt for lost dog Kini. 

Kini, a rescue dog from northern Spain and former Crufts entrant, disappeared while walking the South West Coastal Path on Wednesday, May 31.

Six team members from DCRO headed out to search the area where Kini was last seen. 

A spokesman for the voluntary group said: ‘Due to the nature of the landscape and high cliffs, abseiling was needed to aid the search. 

‘The area was exceptionally difficult work through with high undergrowth and brambles. 

‘The team were able to abseil and search areas under the thicket and, although it was difficult to ascertain for certain, we felt fairly confident that the initially area was thoroughly searched. 

‘We then widened our search to include areas down to the beach. 

‘However, there was no sign of Kini.’

They said while the search didn’t have the positive outcome hoped, the search goes on. 

Kini was out walking with owner Jame Patrick and his sister when he disappeared. 

James explained: ‘We were going from Smugglers’ Hole towards Torquay. 

‘Everything went well until the dog went down by himself from the path towards the sea as we were going along Labrador Bay. 

‘He tried to get back to us, but that area’s steep, very overgrown and parts are fenced off. 

‘We could hear him panting but he couldn’t reach us and we couldn’t see him. 

‘We heard one last yelp, then all went silent.’

James and his partner Helen Davis have been appealing for help to find Kini ever since. 

Anybody who spots Kini, or has information, should call owner Helen on 07534521910.

DevCRO is a voluntary organisation and which relies on donations. http://devcro.org.uk/donate