Dad, 37, killed by American Bully XL ‘he was dog sitting’ when beast turned on him ‘while they were playing’
A 37-YEAR-OLD dad was mauled to death by an American Bully XL while "he was dog sitting" after the beast "turned on him" while they were playing.
Police rushed to Leigh in Greater Manchester after Jonathan Hogg was viciously attacked by dog on Thursday night.
They discovered him with serious injuries and rushed him to hospital where he sadly passed away.
Armed police frantically attempted to control the dog but it was humanely destroyed due to the "significant risk" it posed to the public.
The doting father was killed just four months after his son's birth - and three days before his daughter turned two.
And the owner of a nearby business who witnessed the attack told The Sun that the hound had "turned on" Jonathan.
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They said: “My son was burning rubbish and the dog started barking at him.
"The dog minder came out and started petting it, just telling it to shush, and then he started play fighting with it - but it suddenly turned on him.
"The minder shouted 'help me' to my lad, who tried to stop what was happening by throwing stones at the dog but it had got out of hand by then.
"It just happened in minutes. My son and his missus rang emergency services and the police and ambulance turned up.
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"My lad is traumatised - he saw it all."
Jonathan, known to pals as Oggy, has been described as a "sensitive and kind" man and an "amazing dad" in heartbreaking tributes.
His girlfriend Liberty Farrimond, 24, told : "We've just had a baby and now I've got to explain to our kids why their dad is gone.
"He was an amazing dad. He would have done anything for them. He was a stay-at-home dad and loved being around his kids.
"Now they've had that taken away by a dog. Our daughter turns 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 was so well known and everybody loved him - that's all he ever said, about how much he adored his friends and kids."
In a statement released by police, his family said: “Jonathan was a well-loved, sensitive, and kind person who will never know how loved and appreciated he was by everyone who knew him.
“We have been inundated with messages of support and we ask for privacy at this time to come to terms with our loss.”
'HEART OF GOLD'
Jonathan's brother had led tributes on social media and told of his shock.
He said: "Can’t believe I writing this but rest easy kid.
"Heartbroken isn’t the word. Didn’t want to leave you this morning. Love you brother."
Another pal wrote: "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."
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog causing injury resulting in death.
Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst of GMP’s Wigan district said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my condolences to the loved ones of the victim of this attack.
"Our officers and our partners are currently supporting the victim’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We recognise this incident will rightly cause concern within the local area and we would like to reassure the public that we explored every possible avenue to protect the local community and the animal involved.
“We would urge members of the public to please come forward if they have any information in regard to this incident, any information you may have may be a huge help to our investigation.
“This is a distressing incident which has resulted in the sad passing of a man and we are determined to ensure this does not happen again in our community.
“If you think someone has or is breeding dangerous dogs, please report it online on by calling 101."
The horror comes following a spate of dog attacks across the country.
A six-year-old boy suffered potentially life-changing injuries after being mauled by an American Staffordshire terrier in South Yorkshire on May 11.
Yesterday, a baby was with serious injuries after being attacked in Aldingbourne, Chichester.
While in January this year, four-year-old Alice Stones died after being attacked by a dog in her back garden in Milton Keynes.
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Anyone with information on the latest attack in Leigh can call police on 101 quoting log 3769 of 18/05/2023.
