LONDON (AP) — Algeria winger Said Benrahma has been fined 12,000 pounds (about $16,000) for owning a dangerous dog that attacked a golden retriever in 2023 while he was playing for West Ham.
Mr Benrahma admitted two charges of keeping a dangerous, uncontrollable dog while living in east London. He appeared via video link on Thursday from the Saudi Arabian car where he is currently playing.
Benrahma’s two dogs, both XL-sized bullies that had escaped from his home, attacked a golden retriever named Bailey in July 2023, injuring the man, according to testimony at Willesden Magistrates Court. The retriever required veterinary treatment and its owner sustained scrapes on its arms and legs.
Benrahma, 30,’s defense argued the dogs escaped through a side gate left open by someone working for him at the time.
The dogs currently live in France.
District Judge Matt Javitt fined Mr Benrahma £5,000 for each attack and ordered him to pay the other dog’s owner £2,500 in compensation and £495 in kennel costs.
The judge said Benrahma had “expressed remorse during interrogation” and that it was “the first time he has sentenced someone in the Middle East”.
Benrahma plays for Neom in the Saudi league.
The incident comes months before the UK government announced a ban on breeding XL bully puppies in England and Wales. The restrictions followed a series of deadly attacks. It is a crime to own such a dog without an exemption certificate.
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