A HEARTBROKEN family have called for safety measures to be installed on a notorious bridge after their puppy fell 40ft to his death last weekend.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling on Gisborough Estates to make changes at Butts Lane Bridge following the death of Lurcher pup Rocko.

The eight-month-old dog ran ahead of his owners during a woodland walk near Guisborough, east Cleveland, on Sunday, April 10 and climbed onto a low wall before losing his balance and tumbling 40ft to the ground.

Owners Kris and Catherine Clark are demanding change after hearing several other dogs had lost their lives at the blackspot in recent years.

Mr and Mrs Clark and their four-year-old son Jesse were walking their beloved pet along what they believed was a safe, quiet path when the horrific accident happened.

Mr Clark said: “Rocko was off his lead because it was quiet and we thought it was safe.

“He was a bit ahead of us when he went around a bend and jumped onto a low wall – he couldn’t stop himself from going over.

“We’d just taken the dog out on the first hot day of the year and thought it was going to be a nice, safe walk through the woods.

“Within 20 minutes of leaving the house, our dog had broken all four of his legs and had to be put down.”

The loss of their dog has left the family - including children Freya, 8, and little Jesse - devastated.

Mr Clark said: “We’re so angry because it seems so needless – we want signs up and ideally, fencing.

“People might say we should have had him on a lead but it looked safe and that bridge is inherently dangerous.

“We just want to improve safety – there’s a 40ft drop over a low wall and no signs.

“Even when you’re almost on top of it, you can’t tell there’s a drop, it looks fine.

“It’s only a matter of time before some kids jump on it.

“Dogs have gone over in the past and people have reported it but nothing has happened.

“It seems so negligent and we’re going to push until something is done.”

The Clark family thanked those who helped them in the aftermath of the incident.

The petition, set up by a woman whose dog was also injured at the bridge, can be found at: change.org/p/guisborough-estates-get-railings-put-up-on-butt-lane-bridge

The Northern Echo has contacted Gisborough Estates for comment.