Loving dog killed epileptic owner

Kirsty Ross died at her home from neck injuries

A young mother died after her dog tried to drag her to safety by the scruff of her neck as she had an epileptic fit, an inquest has found.

The body of Kirsty Ross, 25, was discovered at her home in Helston, Cornwall, on 7 November with massive neck injuries, later discovered to have been caused by the family's Doberman.

Home office pathologist Guyan Fernando said that it appeared the dog had not savaged her, but had tried to drag her to safety by the scruff of her neck "in the manner of a dog wanting to lift a puppy".

I think people should be made more aware of the effects of epilepsy and dogs

Fiancé Kenneth Bowley

West Cornwall coroner Edward Carlyon described it as a great tragedy and recorded a verdict of accidental death.

The inquest was told Miss Ross's 22-month-old daughter Kayleigh was found unharmed in the same room.

Miss Ross's body was discovered by Derek Bowley, brother of her fiancé Kenneth.

He became concerned when he received a telephone call from her and could only hear choking sounds and a baby crying.

He went to the house and found Miss Ross lying on the lounge floor holding her mobile phone.

Major investigation

Police originally treated her death as suspicious, assuming her throat had been cut.

A major investigation was launched with 25 officers and an incident room set up in Falmouth.

But a post-mortem examination revealed the 10cm by 8cm wound to her neck matched that of a dog's jaw.

The inquest was told that the dog had attempted to lift Miss Ross up by her clothing, then having been unsuccessful tried to lift her by the scruff of her neck.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Quick, reading a statement, said he had spoken to Mr Bowley about the 13-month old Doberman called Frentzen.

'Playful dog'

"Kenneth has stated then the dog would stand and stare at Kirsty when she was fitting and had to be reassured by him. He described the dog as being confused," he said.

Mr Bowley told the inquest that Frentzen was "a loving, playful dog" and had never shown any aggression or bared its teeth in anger.

After the inquest he added: "I think people should be made more aware of the effects of epilepsy and dogs. Perhaps we can learn something from this."

He said the death of Kirsty had been distressing for himself and his family.

"I hope now I can begin to recover and continue from this sad event and enjoy time with my daughter," he said.

The dog was put down shortly after Miss Ross's death following consultations with the family.