Former West Ham winger Said Benrahma has pleaded guilty to two charges of owning dogs that were dangerously out of control, following an attack in July 2023. The 30-year-old Algerian appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday via video link from a car in Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Neom SC.
The incident took place at Benrahma’s home, where his XL Bully and American bulldog attacked Luke Rehbin and his golden retriever. Rehbin suffered grazes to his arms and legs during the attack, while his dog required veterinary treatment. The XL Bully is a breed banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 since December 2023.
Benrahma said the dogs had escaped through a side gate left open by someone working for him. District Judge Matt Jabbitt said the incident must have been “very distressing” for Rehbin, fining Benrahma £5,000 for each attack and ordering him to pay £2,500 in compensation plus £495 in kennel costs.
The former Brentford player joined West Ham in 2020 and scored 24 goals in 155 appearances, helping the club win the Europa Conference League under David Moyes. He left for Lyon in 2023 before moving to Saudi Arabia in January.
Benrahma, who regularly shared pictures of his dogs Ghost and Cali during his time in east London, now faces a total financial penalty of £12,495.
