Better signage and fencing will be considered near an electric railway after a dog was killed on a live line.
The golden retriever stepped on to the live line on Volk’s Electric Railway at Brighton beach and could not be saved.
Residents have now called for better safety measures over fears that the line is dangerous for other dogs and small children.
One dog owner in the city said: “It deters all dog owners from walking there. It could have been a runaway toddler.
“If one dog did it then another dog could do it again.”
Another added: “There should be clear signs indicating it is a dangerous area, and no animal, or human should be able to access this area especially when it is so close to public space, near to where so many people walk past. It should be safely and completely fenced off.”
The outcry comes after the golden retriever was electrocuted on the railway line on Friday, January 12.
Tributes were laid to the dog at the underpass where the accident occurred.
No trains run on the line in the winter, but the line was still live due to maintenance works carried out in the off-season.
Brighton and Hove City Council, who operate the railway, say they are investigating how the incident took place and were considering more signage and fencing.
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Lead councillor for the environment Tim Rowkins said: “We’re very sad about the recent death of a dog on the Volk’s Railway and our hearts go out to its owner.
“Our understanding is that it was electrocuted on the live rail while off its lead.
“We believe this was simply a tragic accident and have no reason to believe the railway’s equipment or staff were in any way at fault.
“The service is not open to the public during the winter. But the live rail does need to be switched on at times for maintenance, including de-rusting the track.
“We would always advise people to keep their children and dogs under close supervision near railway lines.
“We are looking into what, if anything, might be done to prevent similar accidents in future.
“This will include consideration of possible further signage and fencing.”
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