RNLI volunteers in Rhyl rescue dog that swam out to sea 'to chase seagulls and wouldn't come back'

A seagull-chasing dog has been rescued from the sea in Rhyl by the RNLI after its owner reported it "would not turn back".

The dog's owner dialled 999 and spoke to the coastguard to say that his dog was swimming out to sea off Rhyl, "chasing seagulls and would not turn back".

The RNLI was concerned that there could be a chance that the owner would try to enter the sea to try and rescue his pet, so they launched a resuce shortly after 9am on Monday.

The dog was quickly reunited with his owner after being rescued. Credit: RNLI

The lifeboat was launched within 11 minutes of the call, together with the volunteers of Rhyl Coastguard rescue team. 

Molly the springer spaniel was soon located, brought onboard the lifeboat, and returned to her owner, Terry Dodd.

Terry told ITV News that the lifeboat crew were 'absolutely amazing' and that he felt a huge sense of relief when Molly was rescued.

Martin Jones, RNLI Coxswain for Rhyl’s RNLI Lifeboat, said: "There was initial worry the owner would attempt to rescue the dog, but on the coastguard’s advice, remained on the beach, keeping the dog in sight.

"We are so happy the animal and it’s owner are reunited."