Former Premier League footballer Said Benrahma fined over XL bully attack
Former West Ham footballer Said Benrahma has been fined more than £12,000 after his dogs escaped from his home and attacked a Golden Retriever in the street.
The 30-year-old, who spent four seasons at the Hammers, admitted owning dangerously out-of-control dogs on two occasions in 2023 while living in Hornchurch, east London.
The dogs, who were both told to be XL bullies, chased and attacked a Golden Retriever called Bailey, who needed veterinary treatment, the court was told.
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 on Thursday via video link from a car in Saudi Arabia, where he currently plays for Saudi Pro League team Neom.
The Algerian winger joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 and scored 24 goals in 155 appearances for the club.
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.
