The Overtoun Bridge is an arch bridge located near
Milton, Dumbarton, Scotland which was built in 1859 and has become famous for
the number of unexplained instances in which dogs have apparently committed
suicide by leaping off of it.
The incidents were first recorded around the 1950's
or 1960's when it was noticed that dogs - usually the long-nosed variety like
Collies - would suddenly and unexpectedly leap off the bridge and fall fifty
feet to their deaths. In some cases, however, the dogs would survive,
recuperate, and then leap off the bridge again. The locals have a name
for these dogs: second-timers.
What makes this tragic mystery even more mysterious
is that many of the dogs that jump from Overtoun Bridge jump from the same side
and from almost the same spot: between the final two parapets on the right-hand
side of the bridge.
But why is this happening? What would compel
otherwise contented canines to leap from the stone structure?
Some believe that the bridge is haunted. In
1994, a man threw his baby son off the bridge claiming that it was the
anti-Christ. Later, the man attempted suicide there as well. Was
Overton Bridge responsible for this tragic event?
Another theory comes from Celtic beliefs that Overton
Bridge is a "thin place" where the barrier between the world of the
living and the world of the dead meet and sometimes cross over. Some
believe that dogs are more sensitive to the paranormal and perhaps they are
getting spooked by spirits. In fact, one psychic toured the bridge and,
although she admitted that she felt nothing malevolent - only peace, her dog
pulled on its leash to the right side of the bridge.
A more rational explanation for the "dog
suicides" could be the mink population that resides under the bridge in
the brush. Veterinarians and animal experts have pointed out that a dog,
overly excited at the smell of the minks and unable to see over the sides of
the bridge, might leap over the side on impulse not realizing that they are on
a bridge at all.
Whatever the explanation for the famous Dog Suicide
Bridge actually is could be debated for years without satisfaction. Just
take some advise from the locals and keep your best friend on a leash when
visiting Overtoun Bridge.
Dogs just want to jump. What do we really know?
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