Missouri couple charged after ferret chews fingers off child

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Grain Valley couple has been charged after their pet ferret chewed off seven of their child's fingers.

The Jackson County prosecutor's office said Wednesday that 33-year-old Ryan Waldo and his wife, 25-year-old Carrie Waldo, are each charged with first-degree child endangerment.

The Kansas City Star reported that when the incident occurred, the Waldos said they were awakened by screams from their 4-month-old child after the ferret attacked. But prosecutors said cell phone records indicate the parents weren't home when the child was attacked.

Authorities were called to the home on Jan. 10 when they found the child with only two thumbs and part of a pinkie finger remaining. The child was taken to Children's Mercy Hospital in critical condition.

Online court records don't list a lawyer for the couple.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.