Natasha Johnston, the dog sitter who died while walking a group of dogs, was 28 years old. The girl was attacked in Caterham, Surrey (a county in south-east England). The events took place on January 12, but only now the court has released the name of the victim. The animals were confiscated and police identified the owners but did not pursue criminal investigations against anyone.
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Dog sitter mauled by eight dogs
The frightening hypothesis of death is that the girl was attacked and mauled by raging dogs. According to the British media, the group of dogs (it would be eight) would include a Leonberger, two dachshunds, a Cockapoo and a collie. In an attempt to fight off the dogs, the woman reportedly yelled at two mounted people to “go back,” stay away, according to the Telegraph. Locals also said that just days before her death, the dog sitter was “excited and struggling to control the animals in her care.”
The news comes after it was revealed that a 11kg Leonberger who was part of the pack appeared on a BBC TV program about problem puppies – and was renamed Shiva (original name was Maple) because he was particularly unruly. The animal, believed to be one of eight dogs confiscated by police following the tragedy, appeared on BBC 2’s ’10 Puppies and Us’ program in 2017 with its owner Delia Lewis.
Following the tragic incident, Ms Lewis wrote on social media that her dog, whose name had to be changed due to his unruly behavior, was “one of the missing”. He added: “It’s a Leonberger. If you have any information, please tell me where I should go or what I should do.” After the attack, the Chron writes, concern grew mainly because none of the dogs involved were of a prohibited breed. The attack also raised questions about different rules for the maximum number of dogs a person can walk. Most advice and recommendations vary from area to area: from four to six dogs.
It seems that Natasha was with eight dogs. A source close to the case told the Chron: “He had too many dogs. With so many dogs, you can’t control it. If something happens, it’s as if seven little wolves attack you.” One of the dogs, the British newspaper continues to report, is said to have attacked and bitten a woman who had just been walking her dog, who then fled injured Killers face up to 14 years in prison or a hefty fine, or both, and even if there are no fatalities, they face up to five years in prison if the animal harms someone.
Chief Inspector Josephine Horner spoke of a “tragic accident in which a young woman lost her life”. Now the news is being passed to the Surrey Coroner, forensic analyzes are ongoing but Surrey Police have reiterated that no legal action will be taken following the attack. The dogs are entrusted to private kennels and the owners are kept informed: the animals are subjected to further forensic examinations. Dog bite injuries have increased in the UK in recent years. Between 1998 and 2018, hospital admissions for dog-related injuries in England doubled, with around 8,000 people admitted each year.
Last updated: Tuesday 31 January 2023 08:55
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