Former West Ham winger Said Benrahma has been fined £12,000 after pleading guilty to charges of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs that attacked a golden retriever in July 2023.
At Willesden Magistrates’ Court, the 30-year-old admitted two counts in connection with the incident, which took place while he lived in Hornchurch, east London.
The court heard that his two XL bully dogs chased and attacked the pet dog, Bailey, leading to veterinary treatment. The owner of Bailey, Luke Rehbin, suffered grazes to his limbs after attempting to intervene.
Benrahma told the court the dogs escaped through a side gate that had been left open by someone working for him. He appeared by video link from Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Neom.
District Judge Matt Jabbitt described the incident as “very distressing” for the dog’s owner and ordered Benrahma to pay £5,000 per attack, £2,500 in compensation, and £495 in kennel costs.