Telly experts to probe dog bridge deaths mystery Sep 29 2005

By TINA KEMP


THE unresolved mystery surrounding the death of a number of dogs at
a Dumbarton bridge is to be the subject of a television documentary.

Channel Five is working on a 60-minute film tracing the strange
happenings at Overtoun Bridge.

A team of physics experts will be visiting the location shortly to
survey the bridge in a bid to come up with some clues as to why dogs
seem irresistibly drawn to leap across it.



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The Lennox revealed earlier this year how, over the years, numerous
dog owners had watched their pets jump over the bridge at the historic
Overtoun House estate.


Several animals escaped with only injuries but others have died.


Now Channel Five science department is investigating the strange
phenomenon and wants Lennox readers to help it piece together some of
the background for the programme, Solving the Overtoun Bridge Mystery.


It is seeking as much information as possible from pet owners whose
dogs have been affected, or from people who know anything about the
incidents linked to the bridge.


Said Matthew Burgess, one of the team behind the film: "We are
making a 60-minute documentary investigating the tragic and mysterious
dog deaths at Overtoun Bridge.


"We will be sending a team of experts from the National Physics
Laboratory up to Overtoun to survey the bridge and surrounding area and
to try and find some evidence that could explain these sad events.


"We do not believe that dogs commit suicide.


"Our scientists need as much information as possible about the
incidences at Overtoun, in order to start working on their theories.
They're going to need help in order to build up an accurate picture of
what's been happening."


Investigators say it is important to know the name, breed, size and
age of each dog affected and the date and weather conditions of each
incident.


Added Matthew: "Ideally, we would like to talk to owners who have
lost their dogs, but any snippets of information could be useful."


Matthew said the film makers were aware of the distress which could
be caused by people reliving incidents in which their pets were injured
or killed.


"People can speak to us in confidence," he said. "We appreciate the
fact that losing a dog can be like losing a member of the family and we
will be treating the subject with respect."


Anyone who thinks they can help with the documentary should contact
Making Time TV, 133 Cloudesley Road, London N1 0EN, telephone 0207 833
9600; e-mail matthew@makingtime.tv.


Readers may also pass on their comments to the film company through
The Lennox.



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