Bridge could have safety railings after dog injuries

Safety railings could be installed on an old railway bridge where a number of dogs have been left seriously injured after falling about 50ft (about 15m).

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it would assess if railings to the bridge will be needed in the hamlet of Kiplingcotes, after being approached by members of Goodmanham Parish Council.

Over the last year, dogs have been left with injuries including broken bones and liver damage after jumping over the wall to a steep drop during walks between Kiplingcotes and Market Weighton.

But East Riding councillor Leo Hammond warned dog owners that they still needed to ensure their pets were kept "safe and under control when walking".

"Whilst we have raised this to help protect dogs and people in future, we must be clear that it is the responsibility of dog owners to make sure their dog is safe and under control when walking," he said.

"It is not the responsibility of the council, so these works are being done as a goodwill gesture – not because the council is responsible."

Last August, the council put up a sign near the bridge that advised people to observe the Countryside Code, which includes keeping dogs on leads or under close control.

But there was nothing on the sign that warned about the steep drop over the wall.

The sign was put up after Suzanne Mckeown said her labrador, Cherry, was seriously injured.

Ms Mckeown told the BBC she had been unaware of the drop and said there needed to be a warning in place.

Last month, Sophie Theakston said she was unaware of the drop as she walked her dogs along the path.

Her labrador, Bertie, suffered multiple injuries, including three broken ribs and fractures to his neck and his spine.

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