After the Major's death, the house was inherited by John Steuart who, fearing that the previous owner would reincarnate in the form of one of his dogs, reportedly shot them all.
After the Major's death, the house was inherited by his nephew John Skinner who assumed the name Steuart. Hall (1980) p.100 Fearing that his uncle would reincarnate in the form of one of his dogs, the new owner reportedly shot them all.