Stranded dog centre of rescue operation after getting stuck on Australian cliff

A dog which became stranded halfway down a steep cliff was rescued after emergency workers scaled down to it and hoisted it to safety.

It's not clear how the dog, named Jimmy, became stuck, but video footage taken by the Australian rescue teams who saved him shows the dog stuck on a ledge above the sea near Bells Beach in the state of Victoria on Sunday.

Local media reported that Jimmy's owners did not know he had gone missing.

Victoria Country Fire Authority secured a harness to the top of the cliff and then used ropes to reach the stranded animal.

The dog was rescued by emergency workers from the side of a cliff. Credit: AP

Mark Sinkinson, Victoria State Country Fire Authority Commander said: "I think the dog was pretty happy to be brought over the edge by our crews.

"It was quite happy, wagging its tail and very keen to get in the litter and be brought out."

Local media reported the dog was then reunited with his owner, who was reportedly happy to have him back.

Last week, an 86kg dog had to be helped by rescue workers after becoming too tired to finish a walk, instead resorting to sitting down and refusing to budge.