Coroner calls for dog-walking limits after death

Natasha Johnston was fatally attacked in January 2023

Surrey's coroner has written to the government to call for a limit to the number and gross weight of dogs that can be walked by one person after the death of a professional dog walker.

Natasha Johnston, 28, from Croydon, had been walking eight dogs in Gravelly Hill, Caterham, when she was attacked in January 2023.

Senior Surrey coroner Richard Travers has outlined in a Prevention of Future Deaths Report his concerns and what he believes needs to change.

A government spokesperson said work was being done with police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to help prevent further attacks.

Mr Travers concluded at Ms Johnston's inquest in October that she was initially in control of the group of dogs but “it was readily apparent that control was lost with a tragic result".

He also praised the "great bravery" of a passer-by who tried to help Ms Johnston, “despite seeing two dogs which were aggressive with blood on their snouts".

His report, which outlines areas of concern, said: "Consideration should be given to limiting the number and gross weight of dogs an individual person should be allowed to walk in a public place, both for their own safety and for the safety of others."

It also highlighted the lack of regulation, both locally and nationally, that restricts the number and weight of dogs that an individual person can walk on their own in a public place.

Some councils in Surrey are beginning to introduce tighter regulations on commercial dog walking in public parks, including in Epsom and in Reigate.

Ms Johnston's brother, Jordan Johnston, said in a statement to the inquest that she was "familiar with dogs", and had walked the same group of dogs for a long period "and never reported problems at any time".

Mr Travers said in his report: "Bearing in mind the sheer number and size of the dogs involved, her inability to control and to hold them was not surprising."

Her cause of death was found to be shock and haemorrhage, including perforation of the left jugular vein, and multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck, arms and torso.

A government spokesperson said: "We are working hand in hand with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to help prevent further attacks.

"We will do this together by encouraging responsible dog ownership, making sure dog control issues are addressed before they escalate and using the full force of the law where needed."

Surrey County Council has been contacted for comment.