A century old bridge over a deep ravine leads its way to a beautiful historic Manor in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. This bridge has been the center of a strange phenomenon that has dog owners concerned. Nicknamed “the Bridge of Death” by locals, reportedly up to 600 dogs have attempted to leap to their death over the side of the bridge onto the sharp jagged rocks below. The incidents typically happen on a clear day and the dogs tend to jump off the same side.
Photo Credit:John Gunion - The Sun Glasgow
The bridge has also been the site of a murder and attempted
suicide. In October 1994, a man threw his two-week-old son off the bridge to
his death because he believed that his son was a reincarnation of the Devil. He
then attempted to commit suicide by jumping off the bridge and slashing his own
wrists.
The story of the Overtoun bridge reached popularity in 2005 when mentioned in a blogpost about lesser-known attractions and destinations in Glasgow. Since then, it has been written about and researched by dozens of organizations including NYTimes and the Glasglow Skeptics.
What is Causing this Strange Phenomenon?
There are many different possible explanations for what is causing
the mysterious behavior if these dogs.
In 2010, animal behaviorist David Sands investigated Overtoun
Bridge and concluded that the dogs were not willingly trying to kill themselves
but instead blindly following their instincts. One of the suggestions he made
is that dogs have trouble interpreting the incline of the bridge, instead they
perceive the bridge to be flat and safe. That however would not explain why
dogs would jump over the bridge’s banister.
He also concluded that it was possible the dogs, especially long-nosed breeds, were drawn to the scent of mammals below. An invasive species called Mink that produce strong pheromones has been known to inhabit the surrounding area. Sands theorized that the dogs’ limited perspective and their ignorance to the changing landscape make them believe it is safe to jump.
Some people have theorized dogs are being empathetically depressed by their depressed owners and it caused them to want to die.
Is It Paranormal?
Some of the more supernatural theorists blame the “White Lady of Overtoun” who haunts the Overtoun Manor. The Overtoun Manor was built in 1962 by John White, a Scottish chemical manufacturer. After his death his son, James White, inherited the house. James died in 1908, leaving his widow to grieve over him for 30 years. After her death, she became known as “the white lady” when her image has been seen around the house still grieving. Some say the white lady is the force compelling the dogs to jump although it is unclear why.
Can You Believe the Hype?
Brian Dunning of Skeptoid podcast found contradicting reports on
how many dogs have jumped and how long dogs have been jumping. The earliest media account he could find was
from 1995. Dunning contacted the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, the Dog
Warden for West Dunbartonshire Council, and the Community Sergeant at the
Dumbarton Police Office, but couldn't find any reliable records.
Dunning also contacted the current owners of the house Bob and
Melissa Hill. They claimed in their decade of ownership they have only heard of
three dogs jumping and only one was fatal. A local vet only had only treated
four dogs that had jumped off the bridge in his 13 year career.
It is hard finding reliable records of these jumpings. If your dog
did jump off a bridge, would you immediately report it to the police?
No matter what has been causing these jumps or if you believe they are happening, there is now a sign before going on the bridge that reads Dangerous Bridge: Please keep your dog on a lead.
Photo
credit: mirror.co.uk
References
(1995, Jan 31)” Father who threw baby from bridge sent to Carstairs” Retreived from https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12666222.father-who-threw-devil-baby-from-bridge-sent-to-carstairs
Jessee, B (2020, Feb 28.) “Do Dogs Really Commit Suicide at Overtoun Bridge?” Retrieved from https://medium.com/the-mysterious-miscellany/do-dogs-really-commit-suicide-at-overtoun-bridge-680cd7863cb9
(2019, Oct 29) “Overtoun House, Dumbarton, Scotland: Dog Suicide Bridge?” Retrieved from https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A87943341
Dunning, Brian. (2012, July 24). “The suicide dogs of Overtoun Bridge,” Skeptoid podcast #320. Transcript retrieved from https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4320
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