Surrey coroner urges government to introduce dog-walking limits

Surrey’s senior 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 professional dog walker Natasha Johnston.

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

Senior Surrey coroner Richard Travers’ Prevention of Future Deaths Report highlights 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.

In response, a government spokesperson told the BBC: “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.”

Some councils in Surrey have begun to introduce tighter regulations on dog walkers in public parks, including in Epsom and in Reigate.