A "hopelessly stranded" sheep has been rescued from a sea cliff in Devon by a specialist RSPCA rope team.

The animal welfare charity were contacted by a farmer after the sheep was spotted stuck halfway down the cliffside, running alongside a coastal path near Kingsbridge. 

The ewe was thought to have become stranded on the cliff after either being chased by a dog; or following her lamb over the edge.

However, while there was no lamb found nearby, sheep can commonly become stranded after being spooked or chased by dogs. The rescue has prompted the RSPCA to renew their calls for dog walkers to keep their pets on leads near livestock.

An eight-strong RSPCA rope rescue team was deployed to save the sheep - with the ewe facing the "harrowing prospect" of falling 50-metres (164ft) to the beach below without the charity's intervention.

RSPCA inspectors Suzy Hannaby, Alan Barnes and Joanna Pearson were joined by animal rescue officers Megan Higgins, Betty Burns, Dean Wilkins and Marie Stevens in assisting the sheep; with the operation led by chief inspector Richard Abbott. 

Following several hours the RSPCA team managed to push the ewe to a higher point on the cliff and successfully catch her. She was walked back over the cliff edge and returned to the safety of a nearby field; where - thankfully - she was checked over and found to be unharmed. 

Officers from the RSPCA made two attempts to rescue the sheep, but successfully brought the ewe to secure ground on 29 April.

RSPCA chief inspector Richard Abbott, who led the rescue team, said: "I'm so relieved we were able to help this stranded sheep; as she faced a harrowing prospect of falling a huge distance to the ground. She was hopelessly stranded.

"Our very patient rescue team accessed the ewe by abseiling down the cliff; and over several hours were able to guide her to higher points, before she was caught and guided to a nearby field. 

"Thankfully, we had no welfare concerns about the ewe despite her obvious ordeal and she could be released in the field straight away - after a job really well done by our specially trained team, who I am so proud of. 

"Livestock worrying remains a real problem in rural areas. While we cannot be sure, it seems very possible this ewe became stranded after being spooked or scared by a dog. That's why it is so important that dog owners don't let their pets off the lead when near to sheep, lambs and other livestock."

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.