Former West Ham United footballer Said Benrahma has been fined more than £12,000 after his two XL bully dogs escaped from his home and attacked a golden retriever in the street. The 30-year-old Algerian winger admitted two counts of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
The incident occurred in Hornchurch, east London, in 2023. The dogs chased and attacked a golden retriever named Bailey, which required veterinary treatment. The dog's owner, Luke Rehbin, suffered grazes to his arms and legs after grappling with the animals on the ground.
Benrahma appeared in court via video link from Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Saudi Pro League side Neom. His defence lawyer, Adrian England, said a side gate had been left open by a worker, and the attack was out of character for the dogs, which are now living in France.
Prosecutor Rene De Silva told the court that Rehbin was walking Bailey at around 9pm when Benrahma's dogs escaped and ran over to attack. Rehbin managed to free his dog but was left with grazes. In a statement, Rehbin said it was difficult to stop the dogs due to their weight and speed, and that Benrahma seemed defensive afterwards.
District Judge Matt Jabbitt fined Benrahma £5,000 for each count, ordered him to pay £2,500 compensation to Rehbin, and £495 in kennel costs. The judge remarked on the unusual nature of sentencing someone based in the Middle East.
Benrahma joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 for a fee close to £30 million, scoring 24 goals in 155 appearances. He was sold to Lyon in June 2024 for around £12 million.
