LONDON (AP) – Algerian winger Said Benrahma has been fined £12,000 (approximately $16,000) due to the ownership of two dangerously out of control dogs that attacked a golden retriever in July 2023. At the time, Benrahma was employed by West Ham United, and the incident took place while he was living in east London.
During a hearing at Willesden Magistrates' Court, Benrahma admitted to two counts of owning dangerously out of control dogs. The court was informed via testimony that his two dogs, identified as XL bullies, escaped from his property and went on to attack a golden retriever named Bailey. This unfortunate incident resulted in injuries to the retriever, which subsequently required veterinary treatment. Additionally, the owner of Bailey suffered grazes to his arms and legs during the attack.
On Thursday, Benrahma made an appearance at the proceedings through a video link from a car in Saudi Arabia, where he currently plays for Neom in the Saudi league. His defense during the court proceedings hinged on the assertion that the dogs escaped due to a side gate being left open by an employee who was working for him at the time of the incident.
In light of the circumstances, District Judge Matt Jabbitt imposed a fine of £5,000 for each of the dog attacks, totaling £10,000. Additionally, he ordered Benrahma to pay £2,500 in compensation to the owner of the injured golden retriever, along with kennel costs amounting to £495. The judge commented on Benrahma’s expression of remorse during the interview process and noted that this was the first case he had overseen while sentencing someone in the Middle East.
Following the incident, Benrahma's two dogs were relocated to France. This case gained particular relevance as it occurred months prior to the British government's announcement of a ban on the ownership of XL bully dogs in England and Wales. The decision to implement this restriction followed a series of fatal dog attacks, resulting in the classification of ownership without a certificate of exemption as a criminal offense.
Benrahma, now a player in the Saudi league, faces the ongoing repercussions of this incident during his professional career. The legal situation underscores the increasing scrutiny on dog ownership laws and the responsibilities that accompany it, especially regarding breeds deemed dangerous.
