Overtoun Bridge

In Scotland in the borough of Dumbarton, lies the small village of Milton. In this villages exists the Overtoun bridge. The bridge is on the grounds of Overtoun House which is a 19th century manor. The house was commissioned to be built by James White in 1859 and was lived in by his family into the 1930s, it was then given to the people of Dumbarton. It has since been used as a hospital and youth hostel. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Now since 1950-60s something strange started to happen at the Overtoun bridge, dogs have started to throw themselves from the bridge falling to their death 40-50ft below in what appears to be some form of canine suicide.These weird events have been occurring at regular intervals up until current times. It is said that well over 50 dogs have leaped to their death.

A TV documentary was made looking at the possibilities or causes of why the dogs are reacting to the bridge in this strange manner. David Sands an animal expert came to the conclusion that it was the smell of mink that was attracting the dogs into leaping to their deaths. The sound of running water and optical illusions have also been mentioned as possible reasons.

In conclusion, is it likely that a dog would throw itself down a 40ft drop chasing after a good smell, or hearing running water would be confused enough to leap to its death. I don't think so, all these things could be present at many locations similar to Overtoun but what makes this bridge unique ? One dog was even reported to jump from the bridge, survive the fall and crawl back to the top with broken limbs and attempt to jump again. Is it some supernatural force, some unforeseen natural occurrence. Well I'm not sure but I do know if I was walking my dog here he would be firmly attached to me by his lead.