Former West Ham footballer Said Benrahma has been fined £12,000 for owning dangerously out of control dogs that attacked a golden retriever.
The Algeria international, 30, pleaded guilty to two counts of the charge at Willesden Magistrates’ Court over the “very distressing” incident in July 2023, during which his XL bullies chased and attacked a golden retriever.
Benrahma, who spent four seasons at the Hammers, admitted owning the dogs when he lived in Hornchurch, east London, in 2023.
The golden retriever’s owner, Luke Rehbin, suffered grazes to his arms and legs after grappling with Benrahma’s dogs on the ground, Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard.
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Benrahma said the dogs escaped from a side gate which had been left open by someone working for him at the time.
He appeared at court on Thursday by video link from a car in Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Saudi Pro League side Neom.
The Algeria winger joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 and registered 24 goals in 155 games for the club.
District Judge Matt Jabbitt said the incident must have been “very distressing” for the golden retriever’s owner, and fined Benrahma £5,000 for each of the attacks, ordered him to pay £2,500 compensation to Mr Rehbin plus £495 kennel costs.
