PATRYK ANGELOV FROM WOODGATE LEICESTER ABANDONS DOG OUTSIDE SUPERMARKET

In a troubling incident that took place in Leicester, Patryk Angelov, also known as Patryk Sanczo, was found responsible for neglecting and endangering a dog in the Woodgate area. Born around 1992 and residing on Dunton Street, Leicester LE3, Angelov’s actions drew the attention of local authorities and animal welfare advocates alike.

On January 10, 2019, Angelov took his four-year-old American bulldog, named Diablo, to an Aldi supermarket in Woodgate. Instead of bringing the dog inside or ensuring its safety, Angelov irresponsibly tethered Diablo outside the store and then left him unattended for several hours. This neglectful act was observed by a concerned shopper who, upon noticing the distressed state of the dog, approached to check on him.

As the shopper attempted to comfort Diablo, the dog, evidently frightened and agitated, bit the man on the wrist. The bite caused puncture wounds and nerve damage, leaving the victim with lasting injuries. The dog then managed to chew through his lead, breaking free from the tether, and began running around the car park of the supermarket. The situation escalated quickly, prompting the police to be called to the scene.

Police officers arrived promptly and were able to calm Diablo down. They then transported the dog to police kennels for safekeeping. During their investigation, authorities tracked down Angelov, who was working as a forklift truck driver in Leicester at the time. Unaware of the dog's ordeal, Angelov was taken into custody and questioned about the incident.

Angelov admitted to being responsible for the dog’s care at the time and acknowledged that he had left Diablo tethered outside the supermarket. He also confessed to the charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and to being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused injury. The court was informed that Angelov was under the influence of alcohol on the day of the incident, which contributed to his negligence.

Prosecutor Nigel Chapman explained that Angelov’s failure to supervise Diablo properly and his decision to leave the dog outside in cold weather without proper care were serious breaches of animal welfare laws. The court heard that Diablo had never previously bitten anyone, but due to the injuries inflicted during the attack, the victim’s confidence around dogs was significantly affected, and he now harbors a fear of them.

In a statement read to the court, the injured man expressed his distress, saying, “I do not trust dogs now. I try to avoid them for fear of being attacked.” The police confirmed that Diablo was still in their kennels, and given the injury caused, the court was advised to consider a destruction order for the dog.

However, the court also discussed the possibility of a contingency destruction order, which would allow Diablo to be spared if he was kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. Angelov’s defense lawyer, Sajid Munir, argued that Angelov was under the influence of alcohol at the time and had gone to Aldi to buy more alcohol to cope with a personal relationship breakdown. Munir explained that Angelov had tied Diablo to a post and then gone home, forgetting about the dog entirely.

Angelov’s remorse was evident, and Munir highlighted that the dog was likely scared and stressed from being left tied up for hours. The defense also presented a letter from Angelov’s father, who owns Diablo and described his son as a caring individual suffering from terminal cancer. The father’s letter emphasized Angelov’s good character and concern for his pet.

After considering all evidence, magistrates decided to impose a contingency destruction order, meaning Diablo would be spared from euthanasia if kept properly restrained and muzzled in public. Additionally, Angelov was banned from owning or being in charge of any dog for five years, with the ban set to expire in May 2024.

Sentencing included a 12-month community order, 60 hours of unpaid work, a £150 compensation payment to the injured man, and a £200 contribution towards police costs for keeping Diablo in kennels. An £85 victim surcharge was also imposed. The court’s decision aimed to balance accountability with the recognition of Angelov’s remorse and the circumstances surrounding the incident.