Former West Ham United forward Said Benrahma paid a £12,000 fine after admitting he owned two dangerously out-of-control XL bully dogs that attacked a man and his pet in Hornchurch, east London.
Speaking via video link from Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Neom FC, the Algerian international told Willesden Magistrates’ Court that the dogs escaped through a side gate a worker accidentally left open at his home.
The animals chased and mauled a golden retriever named Bailey, injuring the dog and leaving its owner, Luke Rehbin, with grazes on his arms and legs as he tried to fight them off.
District Judge Matt Jabbitt described the attack as “very distressing” and fined Benrahma £5,000 per offence, ordering him to pay £2,500 in compensation to Rehbin and £495 in kennel fees.
Benrahma, who scored 24 goals in 155 appearances for West Ham before joining Lyon and later moving to Saudi Arabia, also represents Algeria at international level.
