Bring back Bilbo!

PARLIAMENT is to be petitioned in the battle to get Bilbo the life-saving beach dog reinstated as a working dog.

Earlier this year, the Newfoundland was banned from patrolling the beach where his owner Steve Jamieson is an RNLI lifeguard.

Although the six-year-old is credited with saving at least three lives, Penwith District Council banned the animal from the beach at Sennen Cove, near Land's End, under bylaws over the summer period like any other dog.

However, in June, council bosses relented and allowed him to go back to the beach twice a week for two hours a day to help promote beach safety with Mr Jamieson.

Now Bilbo's supporters want him to be treated the same as other working dogs and have organised an online petition to present to Parliament next April. Working dogs include dogs for the blind, police dogs and fire investigation dogs.

Janeta Hevizi, who has written a book about Bilbo is behind the move.

She said: "Don't believe the excuses of why Bilbo can't be a working dog – he was one for three summers until 2008, so lets get him the status he deserves, since he works so hard still spreading the message about beach safety in addition to his weekly visits to schools.

"Bilbo deserves to be given prominence as a working dog and true beach safety asset.

"Bilbo is the most docile and professional of dogs, and is totally relaxed around all people in both small and large numbers.

"He's always alert to potential hazards that swimmers may face in unpredictable sea currents.

"Bilbo's ability is precious and no gimmick. Bilbo has gone to the heart of the nation and in particular far West Cornwall."

Peter Dawes, RNLI head of lifeguards, said: "Bilbo's educational role in schools and twice a week on Sennen beach has complemented the RNLI's team of highly trained lifeguards who patrol Sennen beach throughout the summer season.

"Their comprehensive training includes first aid, radio and rescue skills and best prepares them to respond to someone in danger in the water.

"This season, they dealt with 134 incidents including a successful resuscitation."

People wanting to support Bilbo can click here.

Signatures can be collected and posted to Bilbo c/o The Old Success, Sennen Cove, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7DD.

All signatures must be collected by March 31, 2009, in plenty of time for Bilbo's trip to London in April.