Dog Walker Fatally Mauled by Pack of Eight Dogs in Shocking Surrey Attack
Tragedy struck near Gravelly Hill, Caterham, Surrey, on January 12, 2023. Natasha Johnston, 28, a dog walker, was brutally mauled to death by eight dogs she was caring for—one a banned bull terrier. She reportedly lost control of the pack, sparking a catastrophic attack.
Horrific Details of the Attack
Johnston suffered severe bite wounds to her torso, neck, and arms. A post-mortem revealed her left jugular vein was perforated, causing fatal shock and haemorrhage. Despite heroic CPR efforts from passerby Ben Kershaw and emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at 3:29pm.
Senior Coroner Richard Travers will prepare a Prevention of Future Deaths Report for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The report will spotlight the urgent need for national regulations on the number and weight of dogs a single person can manage in public. “There are no national restrictions or regulations regarding the number and weight of dogs that can be walked in a public place,” Travers confirmed.
Witnesses Describe Chaos
- Andrew Coutts saw Johnston walking the dogs before hearing barking and shouting.
- Horse riders Michelle Clarke and Susan Dove encountered the out-of-control dogs, with one horse spooked causing a fall.
- Sam Ogden was bitten by one dog while Johnston struggled desperately to regain control of the pack.
- Ben Kershaw found Johnston’s body amid roaming dogs, some blood-covered, and performed CPR under instruction.
Inquest Highlights Regulation Gaps
The coroner noted Johnston was experienced and had walked the same dogs many times without problems. But that day, she lost control. The inquest could not identify the specific dog responsible for the fatal attack.
Tandridge Council limits professional dog walkers to six dogs with a license on council land, requiring insurance. Johnston wasn’t part of any regulated scheme. The tragedy exposes a glaring gap in national laws governing dog walking limits and safety precautions.
Aftermath and Calls for Reform
Two dogs, including the banned bull terrier, were destroyed. The other six returned to owners. Johnston’s brother confirmed she knew the animals well.
Local authorities and animal welfare groups demand urgent government action to regulate professional dog walking, ensure proper training, and prevent future catastrophes.
The coroner’s report aims to push through national rules and tighter policies for dog walkers across the UK. Natasha Johnston’s death could be a tragic wake-up call for dog walking safety.
