Mark Twigg
Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control *
Sentence
2 years and 8 months imprisonment and banned from owning dogs for 15 years
Mark Twigg, 43, and his partner Joanne Bedford, 37, were looking after untrained guard dogs including Cane Corso, American Bulldog, and Boerboel breeds at Carr Farm in Milnrow, Rochdale, while the owner was on remand in prison. They had signed a contract to care for the eight or nine dogs living in poor conditions with no clean bedding, surrounded by faeces, and not exercised. Despite warnings from an RSPCA inspector about the risk to their children, including a previous bite to their eldest son, they brushed off the concerns. Twigg was responsible for feeding, watering, and mucking out the dogs, and handled complaints when they escaped. On May 15, 2022, while Twigg was at work, Bedford was at the farm with Daniel and their daughter. Daniel entered the dog pen unsupervised and was fatally attacked by the dog Sid, a Cane Corso, suffering puncture wounds to his neck. He died later that afternoon in hospital.
Found guilty of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. Cleared of gross negligence manslaughter. Responsible for feeding, watering, and mucking out the dogs. Dealt with complaints about the animals escaping. Jailed by Mr Justice Kerr who described the attack as an 'appalling tragedy'.