WINCOBANK MAN JAILED FOR TERRORISING AND BEATING XL BULLY
Originally from Croydon with connections to Clapham, Sestanovich has been barred from owning animals for life after being caught on camera cruelly and persistently attacking a defenseless dog named Chicago.The assault occurred in the corridor of a residential building on Hyde Park Terrace in Sheffield on October 4, 2023.
A housing manager contacted the RSPCA, who subsequently visited Sestanovich's residence.
Investigators discovered that, in addition to subjecting Chicago to abuse, he was keeping her in inappropriate living conditions.
A veterinary check confirmed that the dog exhibited signs of stress, likely caused by the physical abuse she endured.
The veterinarian stated: “During the beating (seen on the footage), it was clear that the dog was frightened, cowering and defecating.” An RSPCA behaviourist added: “Chicago was roughly grabbed and beaten, and her body language showed extreme fear.
The intensity of the man’s gestures indicates the blows inflicted on the dog were delivered with significant violence, causing her pain.” Although instructed to register her in accordance with legal requirements, Sestanovich refused to do so and declined to transfer her into the RSPCA’s care.
When assessed at a rehoming centre, Chicago was classified as an XL Bully.
Despite having no wrongdoing, she was euthanized under government legislation.
Sestanovich admitted to charges of causing blunt force trauma, physical violence, and intimidation toward the dog.
He received a sentence of 16 weeks in prison, suspended for a year; 100 hours of unpaid community service; 10 days of rehabilitation; along with court costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £154.
He was also handed a lifetime ban from owning animals.
