Natasha Johnston: Woman mauled to death by eight dogs who 'perforated her jugular vein' identified
LONDON, ENGLAND: A woman who was mauled to death by a group of dogs on January 12 in Surrey has been identified as Natasha Johnston. The 28-year-old, hailing from London, is believed to have been walking a number of canines on Gravelly Hill, Caterham when she was attacked. An inquest into her death was scheduled at Surrey coroner’s court on Tuesday, January 31.
Surrey police revealed last week that they had concluded their investigation into Johnston's death and that no prosecutions were brought against any individuals. The eight dogs, whose breeds are unclear, were seized at the scene. However, police divulged that none of them were banned breeds. Johnston's identity was confirmed through dental records, the coroner told Surrey Coroner's Court.
ALSO READ
Who was Sadie Davila? Mom of Lousiana girl, 7, mauled to death by pit bull demands owner be punished
'Multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck'
The scheduled inquest heard how Johnston succumbed to injuries from “multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck." The court was told she also suffered shock and hemorrhage including perforation of her jugular vein. The Croydon-based woman was identified by her brother Jordan Johnston in the aftermath of the attack. "A post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on 18 January," Coroner Simon Wickens told the court. "The medical cause of death (was) given as 1a) shock and hemorrhage including perforation of the left jugular vein and in 1b) the pathologist places multiple penetrating dog bites to her neck. The reason for the inquest required is the nature of the traumatic injuries." A full inquest has been scheduled on June 29, albeit the date is subject to change. "I offer Natasha's family and indeed all those touched by her life my sincere condolences," the coroner added.
Authorities rushed to the scene in Gravely Hill earlier this month moments after the horrific incident. Witnesses told police "there was no barking, just screaming" as the dogs turned on their owner "like a pack of small wolves." One witness said Johnston shouted at bystanders to "go back" once the canines began attacking her. Meanwhile, one woman who tried to intervene was hospitalized with non-life-threatening bite injuries and has since been discharged. The tragedy befell after some locals claimed they saw Johnston struggling to control the animals just days before she was mauled.
TOP STORIES
CORDON LIGHTFOOT: Lori Lightfoot slammed for dancing on Chicago streets amid rising crime rate
'Tell your story': Writer Natalie Fornasier's husband pens profound tribute after she dies of cancer
'Extremely difficult time for us'
As mentioned, a total of eight dogs were seized at the scene. According to The Sun, one of the hounds was a Leonberger named Shiva that featured in a 2017 BBC program about bad puppy behavior. A criminal probe into the incident has been closed and no prosecutions are being brought against any individuals, Surrey Police confirmed. The animals continue to remain in police custody at the time of publication.
The victim's family said in a statement previously issued through police that they were going through “an extremely difficult time” dealing with her loss and hoped for some privacy. “This is an extremely difficult time for us and as well as dealing with this sudden loss in our family, the significant level of media interest and the graphic nature of some of the reporting, has been a source of additional distress,” the devastated family said. “We continue to appeal for our privacy to be respected during our time of grief.”