Footballer Fined £12,000 After Dogs Run Amok in Hornchurch Street

Former West Ham footballer Said Benrahma has been fined £12,000 (approximately KSh 1.8 million) after pleading guilty to two counts of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs. 

The incident took place in July 2023, when Benrahma’s two XL bully dogs escaped from his home in Hornchurch, east London, and attacked a golden retriever named Bailey.

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The dog’s owner, Luke Rehbin, was also injured while trying to control the dogs, sustaining grazes to his arms and legs. 

Bailey required veterinary treatment following the attack, highlighting the severity of the incident.

Benrahma appeared at Willesden Magistrates' Court via video link from Saudi Arabia, where he currently plays for Neom in the Saudi Pro League. He explained that the dogs escaped through a side gate that had been left open by someone working for him at the time.

The court heard that once out on the street, the dogs chased and attacked Bailey, leaving Rehbin no choice but to intervene physically.

District Judge Matt Jabbitt said the attacks must have been “very distressing” for the golden retriever’s owner. 

Benrahma was fined £5,000 (KSh 750,000) for each of the two counts of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £2,500 (KSh 375,000) in compensation to Rehbin and £495 (KSh 74,250) for kennel costs.

The judge noted that while Benrahma was not personally responsible for leaving the gate open, he remained responsible for controlling the dogs at all times.

Benrahma joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 and scored 24 goals in 155 appearances for the club. He later moved to Lyon before signing with Neom SC in Saudi Arabia. The winger also represents Algeria at international level.

BBC reported that the case underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially for breeds deemed dangerous. The attack occurred months before the UK government announced stricter regulations on XL bully dogs in England and Wales.

The incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with powerful dog breeds and serves as a reminder that owners can be held financially and legally accountable for injuries caused by their pets.