Man, 37, is mauled to death by dog in horror attack

A loving father was killed by an “out of control” dog just four months after his son was born – and three days before his daughter turned two.

Jonathan Hogg, 37, was torn in the throat by his friend’s American Bully XL at a home in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on Thursday night. He was taken to hospital, but died shortly afterwards.

“We just had a baby and now I have to explain to our children why their father is gone,” his girlfriend Liberty Farrimond, 24, told the Daily Mail.

‘He was a great father. He would have done anything for them. He was a stay-at-home dad and loved to be with his children.

‘Now they’ve had that removed by a dog. Our daughter will be two on Sunday and he should be there. It’s not fair.

“His friends called him Oggy, but me and the family call him Hogg Roast because he was so good at Sunday dinner. He made them every weekend.

“He was so famous and everyone loved him – that’s all he ever said about how much he loved his friends and kids.”

Police said a 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of leading a dangerously out-of-control dog that resulted in injury leading to death. He remains in custody for further questioning.

Officers were called to an address in Leigh, Greater Manchester, at 9.10pm following reports of a man’s ‘welfare concerns’.

The dog was forced into a shack in a yard next to a mobile home and when armed officers arrived, the animal was shot.

Known to friends as Oggy, his brother shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying, “I can’t believe I’m writing this but rest assured boy.

Heartbroken is not the word. I didn’t want to leave you this morning. Love you brother.’

Another friend wrote: ‘I can’t believe this what a top lad.

“RIP Oggy, my thoughts are with your family.”

A third said, “RIP Oggy. You had a heart of gold.

“You would do anything for anyone. You will be missed big man.’

Neighbors said the deceased man may have been “playing” with the animal when it suddenly turned on him.

Alerted by barks and the man’s cries of “help me,” they desperately tried to throw stones at the dog.

David Broxon, who runs a nearby car dealership and whose adult son Jordan witnessed the tragedy, said, “My son was burning trash and the dog started barking.”

He continued, “He came out and started petting him, just telling him to shut up, and then he started playing with it, fighting — but suddenly he turned on him.

‘[He] shouted ‘help me’ to my boy, who tried to stop what was happening by throwing stones at the dog, but it had gotten out of hand by then.

“It just happened in a few minutes. Jordan and his partner called emergency services. My boy is traumatized – he’s seen it all.’

Mr Broxon said his son was too upset to comment.

The tragedy is the latest in a spate of dog attacks over the past month. On April 29, a five-month-old baby required hospital treatment after being attacked by a dog in Penyrheol, Caerphilly, South Wales.

Last week, Wayne Stevens, 51, died after being attacked by a dog in Derby, who was then shot dead.

Greater Manchester Police said armed officers used “every available tactic to subdue the animal” before destroying it because it posed a “significant risk” to the public.

Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst, from GMP’s Wigan district, said: ‘First of all I would like to express my condolences to the loved ones of the victim of this attack. Our agents and our partners are currently supporting the victim’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of leading a dangerously out-of-control dog resulting in injury leading to death.

“We recognize that this incident will rightly cause concern in the local community and would like to reassure the public that we have explored all possible avenues to protect the local community and the animal involved.

“We urge the public to come forward if they have any information related to this incident. Any information you have could be a huge help to our investigation.”

A neighbor said, “I sat at my window and heard two ambulances with their blues on. They drove into the yard, both drove there. Then a police car came and parked on the road.

“More police vehicles arrived – I counted about six police cars parked all over the road. There was also a police van and a smaller van that resembled a dog unit. They were all here until the early hours, at least 1am. Then at 6am this morning another police car came parked across the road.

“I had no idea what was going on, but I knew it was something serious because of the reaction and how long they were here.”

Another resident said, “There were so many ambulances and police cars. They were all down the street. And loads and loads have come and gone ever since.

“I was up until 1 a.m. to see what had happened. I have no idea, but you can’t imagine how many police and ambulances were there, so obviously it’s not good and something very serious. It’s very sad.’

One woman said: ‘I was sitting on the couch and I first saw two ambulances coming and two police cars following. Then I saw the ambulance come in. Then more police cars appeared.

“Later officers in black caps got out, one had a large rifle and the other had a rifle next to him. It’s just awful. So sad, but also frightening that this is happening so close by.’

Another neighbor said, “I fell asleep on the couch as I did, and when I came to, there were police cars all over the place.

“I had no idea what was going on. But later I heard two shots. I know guns sound like and it was definitely gunshots. I have a dog of my own and it is very sensitive to noise, so it scared both of us.’