Surrey Police have said that no prosecutions are being brought against the owners of the dogs involved in an attack that killed a woman in Caterham.
The 28-year-old woman was walking the animals along Gravelly Hill on the North Downs on January 12 when she was repeatedly bitten.
Paramedics rushed to the scene in Caterham but were unable to save the victim and she was pronounced dead by medics.
Surrey Police confirmed the victim from London was believed to have been walking a “number of dogs” at the time of the attack at around 2.45pm.
A total of eight dogs were “detained at the scene” by officers and are still in the custody police.
A second woman was taken to hospital in a non-life-threatening condition, where she was treated for dog bites, but has now been discharged.
The dogs are currently being cared for at private kennels to ensure their welfare and their owners are being kept informed.
Surrey police have said that the “criminal investigation has now concluded” and no prosecutions are being brought against individuals, however the dogs will be “subject to further forensic expertise”.
A post-mortem examination was carried out last week and the Surrey Coroner is to now open an inquest to investigate the cause of death.
The canines seized by police are reported to include a Leonberger, two dachshunds, a cockapoo and a collie.
None of the dogs were in the banned breeds list.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a young woman lost her life.
“I know it has caused real concern locally and I thank the community for bearing with us whilst we conducted our enquiries.
“The criminal investigation has now concluded and the information we have gathered will be passed to the Surrey Coroner to assist in the coronial process.
“The dogs continue to be cared for at private kennels to ensure their welfare and their owners are being kept informed.
“We appreciate this is a difficult and uncertain process for them as the forensic work continues.”
A spokesperson for Surrey police said: “A file is being prepared for the Surrey Coroner following the death of a 28-year-old woman in a reported dog attack at Gravelly Hill in Caterham on January 12.
“Both the woman’s family and the owners of the seized dogs have been updated.
“A post-mortem examination was carried out last week and the Surrey Coroner will open an inquest.
“Whilst no prosecutions are being brought against individuals, the eight dogs remain in the custody of police and will be subject to further forensic expertise.
“It has been confirmed that none of the dogs are banned breeds.”
