Said Benrahma was fined £12,000 (around US$16,000) for owning dangerously out-of-control dogs that attacked a golden retriever while playing for West Ham in 2023 (Images via Getty Images) Algeria international and Saudi Pro League winger Said Benrahma has been fined £12,000 (Rs 14 crore) for owning dangerously out-of-control dogs that attacked a golden retriever in 2023 while playing for West Ham. During a court hearing, Benrahma pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing dangerously uncontrollable dogs via video link from Saudi Arabia, where he currently plays for Neo.The incident took place in East London when his two XL bullies escaped from his home and attacked a golden retriever named Bailey, injuring the dog and a man. The retriever required veterinary treatment while its owner suffered abrasions to his arms and legs. Benrahma defended himself by saying that the dogs had escaped through a side gate which had been left open by someone working for him at the time. The dogs now live in France. District Judge Matt Jabbitt imposed fines of £5,000 for each attack and ordered Benrahm to pay £2,500 compensation to Bailey’s owner, plus £495 in kennel costs. The judge noted that Benrahma “expressed remorse when interviewed” and also noted that it was the first time he had “condemned anyone in the Middle East”. The case took place months before the British government introduced a ban on the ownership of XL bull dogs in England and Wales following a series of fatal attacks. Under current law, keeping such dogs without a certificate of exemption is a criminal offence.
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Despite Benrahma’s defense, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the attacks, in which both an animal and a person were injured. The winger’s case has attracted attention not only because of his footballing profile, but also because of the growing public scrutiny surrounding XL bull dogs and the potential dangers posed when such animals are left unattended.
