Jonathan Hogg, 37, savaged to death by dog days before his daughter’s 2nd birthday as heartbroken partner pays tribute
A DAD-of-two savaged to death by an American XL Bully was killed just days before his daughter's second birthday, his heartbroken partner has revealed.
Stay-at-home dad Jonathan Hogg, 37, died in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on Thursday - just three days before his daughter turned two yesterday.
Jonathan, known to pals as Oggy, has been described as a "sensitive and kind" man and an "amazing dad" in heart-breaking tributes.
His girlfriend, and the mum to his two young children, Liberty Farrimond, 24, told The Sun he "was the best Dad ever".
The doting dad was killed just four months after his son's birth - and three days before his daughter's birthday on Sunday.
Liberty added: "Jonathan was a well loved man and the best dad ever to his children.
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"He died in the most horrific way and we are just trying to get our heads round it.
"My kids miss him and look up at the stars at night asking for him back. It’s absolutely heart-breaking.
"Our daughter turned two on Sunday, and he should have been there. It's not fair."
Armed police frantically attempted to control the dog after the attack on Thursday but it was humanely destroyed due to the "significant risk" it posed to the public.
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Items totalling a value of £37,500, thought to be the result of "criminal proceeds" have been seized from the scene, according to cops.
Some 15 dogs that were taken and transferred to a "specialist facility" are believed to be the same breed that savaged Jonathan.
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog causing injury resulting in death.
While a woman, 22, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.
Detective Chief Inspector John Davies said: "GMP officers searched two houses and seized 15 dogs (six adults and nine puppies) believed to be the same breed as that which attacked Jonathan.
"These dogs are now being cared for at a specialist facility.
"Items totalling a value of £37,500 believed to be the result of criminal proceeds have been seized."
The owner of a nearby business, who watched in horror as the attack unfolded, told The Sun the hound "turned on" Jonathan.
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.
"My lad is traumatised - he saw it all."
Jonathan's brother 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."
The horror comes following a spate of dog attacks across the country.
A six-year-old boy suffered potentially life-changing injuries after he was mauled by an American Staffordshire terrier in South Yorkshire on May 11.
On Friday, a baby was with serious injuries after they were attacked in Aldingbourne, Chichester.
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While in January this year, four-year-old Alice Stones died after she was attacked by a dog in her back garden in Milton Keynes.
Anyone with information on the latest attack in Leigh can call police on 101 quoting log 3769 of 18/05/2023.
