Parents of Child Attacked by Ferret Face Trial

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A Grain Valley, Mo. couple facing charges of child endangerment after their pet ferret gnawed off their four-month-old son’s fingers, is scheduled to go to trial June 11.

Ryan and Carrie Waldo pleaded not guilty in Jackson County Circuit Court on Friday. They claim they were asleep when the ferret attacked their son on Jan. 10, 2011. Police discovered the boy with only two thumbs and part of a pinkie finger remaining.

Prosecutors say the parents weren’t at home with the attack occurred, although the parents say they were sleeping in separate rooms and were awakened by their son’s screams.

All four of the couple’s children, including the son, have been living with a relative.