Mark Twigg, 42, and Joanne Bedford, 36, have been charged with the gross negligence manslaughter of their toddler Daniel Twigg (Pictures: SWNS)
The parents of a three-year-old boy mauled to death by a dog have been charged with manslaughter.
Daniel Twigg died after being attacked on a farm in Milnrow, Rochdale, in May 2022.
His mum and dad, Mark Twigg, 42, and Joanne Bedford, 36, have been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
They are due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on July 31.
Police previously said Daniel was in the garden when he was set upon by the dog shortly after lunchtime on May 15.
He was rushed to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where he was later declared dead.
Daniel died after sustaining injuries as a result of being attacked by a dog (Picture: Greater Manchester Police/SWNS)
Police at the scene in Milnrow, Rochdale (Picture: Matthew Lofthouse/SWNS)
The couple is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on July 31 (Picture: Matthew Lofthouse/SWNS)
Several dogs were seized at the property, with one Cane Corso – an Italian breed of mastiff – humanely destroyed, police said.
Photos taken at the property show signs warning ‘beware of the dogs’ attached to gates.
Daniel’s family paid tribute to him in a statement issued through police, saying he was a ‘happy, kind, and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him’.
It went on: ‘He loved Paw Patrol and playing with his brother and sister, he also loved being around animals – especially his pony, Splash.
‘He brought us many laughs and was a comical character. He was brave, intelligent and full of many characteristics.
‘Daniel loved being with his whole family and will be missed by all. On behalf of our family, we ask people to respect our privacy.’
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