A tragic incident involving Natasha Johnston, a 28-year-old dog walker, who was mauled to death by a pack of eight dogs, has led to significant legal action.
On January 12, 2023, while walking the dogs near Gravelly Hill in Caterham, she lost control of them.
The inquest revealed she died from multiple dog bites and shock after sustaining severe injuries, including the perforation of her jugular vein.
Efforts to Prevent Future Incidents
Senior Coroner Richard Travers announced during the inquest that he will submit a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The aim is to address the lack of national regulations on how many dogs a person can walk in public spaces.
Travers highlighted that there are no restrictions on the number or weight of dogs that can be walked simultaneously, a concerning gap in the law.
Witnesses Recall the Tragic Day
Several people who were at the scene that day provided statements during the hearing.
Ben Kershaw, a walker, discovered Johnston’s body after encountering the loose dogs running around.
Despite attempts by Kershaw, paramedics, and police officers to revive her, she was pronounced dead at 3:29 p.m.
Other witnesses included horse riders and fellow dog walkers who had seen Johnston struggling with the dogs before the attack.
Ongoing Concerns About Dog-Walking Safety
The inquest shed light on the dangers of walking multiple dogs without proper safety measures in place.
Johnston, who was an experienced dog walker, had no formal certifications or affiliations with a dog-walking association.
Although she had successfully walked these dogs before, the incident has raised questions about the responsibilities and requirements for professional dog walkers.
In the Tandridge district of Surrey, where the incident occurred, local policies require dog walkers to have a license, insurance, and a limit of six dogs per person.
However, national regulations remain absent, leaving room for potential risks when large groups of dogs are involved.
Family Speaks About Natasha’s Love for Animals
Natasha’s brother, Jordan, spoke at the inquest, sharing how comfortable his sister had been with dogs.
He confirmed that she was familiar with the group of eight dogs she was walking, most of which belonged to people she knew well.
While the exact dog responsible for her fatal injuries was not identified during the hearing, it was previously reported that two of her own dogs, including a banned bull terrier, were later euthanized.
The inquest is expected to lead to more discussions about regulations and the necessary precautions for dog walkers, ensuring future tragedies like this are prevented.
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