Ex-West Ham footballer Said Benrahma is fined £12,000 after his XL Bullies attacked a golden retriever
Former West Ham footballer Said Benrahma has been fined £12,000 after his dogs attacked a Golden Retriever.
The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing dangerously out-of-control dogs at Willesden Magistrates’ Court after the incident occurred in July 2023 while he was living in Hornchurch, East London.
Ghost and Cali, who were both XL bullies, the court was told, chased and attacked a Golden Retriever called Bailey, who needed veterinary treatment.
Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard the dog’s owner, Luke Rehbin, suffered scratches to his arms and legs after tussling with Benrahma’s dogs on the ground.
Benrahma said the dogs escaped through a side door left open by someone working for him at the time.
He appeared in court today via video link from a car in Saudi Arabia and currently plays for Saudi Pro League team Neom.
Benrahma is seen with her dogs Ghost and Cali in the photo she shared on Instagram.
Former West Ham man twice accused of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs
District Judge Matt Jabbitt said the incident was ‘very distressing’ for the Golden Retriever’s owner and fined Benrahma £5,000 for each of the attacks and ordered Mr Rehbin to pay £2,500 compensation plus £495 kennel costs.
Penalties can range from unlimited fines to imprisonment or even euthanizing dogs.
Benrahma regularly shares photos of herself with Ghost and Cali on social media.
He became West Ham’s third most expensive signing of all time when he joined the club from Brentford for £30 million in 2021.
The Algerian-born star scored 24 goals in 155 appearances for the Hammers before spending a season on loan at Lyon in Ligue 1, making the deal permanent for £12 million.
The winger later struggled to break into the team and was loaned out to Saudi Arabian side Neom SC. Neom SC paid £13 million for the transfer in April after being promoted to the top division.
