Surrey: Dog ‘seized after woman beaten to death, appeared on BBC show’

A dog “seized by police” after a woman was beaten to death reportedly appeared as a puppy on a BBC TV programme.

The 28-year-old victim died in an attack on Thursday while walking a pack of dogs in the secluded beauty of Gravelly Hill in Caterham, Surrey.

An 11-stone Leonberger named Shiva is said to be among eight dogs taken into police care after the horrific incident that left another woman injured.

It remains unclear whether Shiva was one of the dogs that attacked – eyewitnesses claim at least four of the eight targeted the victim.

An autopsy, which could shed some light on the matter, is to take place.

Five years ago, Shiva starred on BBC 2’s 10 Puppies and Us, a show about puppies settling into their new homes and being housetrained.

One clip shows her owner Delia Lewis experiencing stress while her new pet poops on the floor and chews the carpet.

Originally named Maple, the pup was apparently later renamed Shiva — also the name of a Hindu god known as “The Destroyer.”

Delia, a psychic who says she’s worked with Disney and Estee Lauder, told the show in 2017, “I thought Maple was way too cute a name for this dog.

“I mean don’t get me wrong, she’s cute but she’s not that cute.”

In 2020, Shiva was described by a vet as “a huge girl with the sweetest nature ever,” reports the Daily Mail.

Ms Lewis reportedly posted on social media after the Caterham incident that her dog was “one of the missing”.

She added: “She is a Leonberger please if you have any information please tell me where to go or what to do.”

An investigation into the tragedy, which occurred around 2.45pm on Thursday, has been launched.

A 60-year-old woman who saw the attack on a horse said the blonde victim saw her coming and yelled, “Turn back, turn back!”

“When we saw her, she was about 50 feet away,” she said. “She was swamped by at least four medium-sized dogs, maybe more, who attacked her, dragged her arms and sides, and she screamed and screamed.”

The eyewitness claimed that the violent incident was made even more frightening because none of the dogs barked.

The second woman injured in the dog attack was discharged from hospital after being treated for bites.

Police are believed to be checking whether the victim was a registered dog walker.

A source “close to the case” has claimed she “just had too many dogs.”

“With so many dogs, you can’t have everything under control. If something happens, it’s like seven little wolves attack you,” they said.

The dogs involved are believed to be two dachshunds, a cockatoo, a collie and the Leonberger – neither of which have been deemed dangerous.

Surrey Police said on Friday eight dogs were confiscated and their owners all contacted.

There was an increased police presence in Gravelly Hill this weekend “to reassure residents and visitors”.

Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a young woman sadly lost her life. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends and the family have asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.

“Special teams have been conducting forensic work at the scene but this has now been completed and the area has been reopened to the public.

“I know this incident has caused genuine concern locally and officers from the local neighborhood team will be in the area to reassure residents.

“The investigation to determine the circumstances of this incident is ongoing and I urge anyone with information who has not yet spoken to police to get in touch.”

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