Parents jailed after three-year-old boy mauled to death by dog on farm

The parents of a three-year-old boy mauled to death by their dog have been jailed.

Daniel Twigg was attacked by a Cane Corso while unsupervised in a pen at their home on Carr Farm in Rochdale on May 15, 2022.

He suffered multiple head and neck injuries and died at Manchester Children’s Hospital later that afternoon.

The dog, named Sid, was one of 11 kept in poor conditions at the property, which they only moved into two months earlier.

Daniel’s parents Mark Twigg, 43, and Joanne Bedford, 37, were cleared of manslaughter but found guilty of being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

Judge Mr Justice Kerr jailed Bedford for three and a half years and gave Twigg a sentence of two years and eight months.

Both were banned from keeping dogs for 15 years.

The judge said: ‘No sentence in a case such as this can undo the damage done, nor assuage the grief of the bereaved.

‘You have both lost your beloved son.

‘The wrongdoing that led to Daniel’s death must be punished, and it is my mournful duty to see it done.’

Detective Sergeant Mark Evans said: ‘This was a deeply tragic and traumatic incident that has left a permanent mark on everyone involved from Daniel’s family and neighbours to the officers and medical professionals who responded that day.

‘Daniel was a bright, curious little boy who had grown up around dogs, but as a toddler, he couldn’t understand the risks they could pose.

‘What happened to him was deeply tragic and I want to thank the teams who worked tirelessly to bring justice for Daniel.’

Dog Legislation Officer Stephen Greenough said: ‘The dogs in this case were unpredictable, powerful, and not properly trained or controlled — and the consequences were devastating.

‘Dogs should never be left unattended with children, particularly those under sixteen. Daniel was exposed to a situation no child should ever face, and the outcome was heartbreaking.

‘We urge all dog owners to take their responsibilities seriously. If a dog is dangerously out of control and causes injury, the law will hold you accountable. This case should serve as a stark warning of what can happen when those responsibilities are ignored.

‘If anyone has concerns about a dog posing a risk in the community, please report it to police. Early intervention can prevent tragedy.’

Daniel’s family have previously paid tribute to him, describing him as a ‘happy, kind and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him’.

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