Coroner Recommends Dog Walking Restrictions Following Fatal Incident

The coroner for Surrey has formally requested the government consider imposing restrictions on the quantity and total weight of dogs an individual can walk simultaneously, following the fatality of a professional dog walker. Natasha Johnston, a 28-year-old resident of Croydon, was in the process of walking eight dogs in Gravelly Hill, Caterham, when she was subjected to an attack in January 2023. Richard Travers, the Senior Coroner for Surrey, detailed his apprehensions and proposed necessary modifications within a Prevention of Future Deaths Report. According to a government spokesperson, efforts are underway in collaboration with law enforcement, local councils, and animal welfare organizations to mitigate the occurrence of future attacks. During Ms Johnston’s inquest in October, Mr Travers determined that while she initially managed the group of dogs, “it was readily apparent that control was lost with a tragic result”. Furthermore, he commended the “great bravery” of a bystander who attempted to assist Ms Johnston, “despite seeing two dogs which were aggressive with blood on their snouts”. The report, which identifies problematic areas, stated: “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.” The document additionally emphasized the absence of regulations, both at local and national levels, that govern the quantity and weight of dogs an individual is permitted to walk unsupervised in a public area. Certain councils within Surrey are commencing the implementation of stricter rules concerning commercial dog walking within public parks, specifically in locations such as Epsom and Reigate. Jordan Johnston, Ms Johnston’s brother, conveyed in a statement to the inquest that she possessed a strong “familiarity with dogs” and had regularly walked the identical group of canines over an extended duration, “and never reported problems at any time”. Mr Travers remarked 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.” The determination of her cause of death indicated shock and haemorrhage, encompassing a perforation of the left jugular vein, alongside numerous penetrating dog bites to the neck, arms, and torso. A government spokesperson stated: “We are working hand in hand with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to help prevent further attacks.” They added: “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 was approached for a statement.