Former West Ham attacker Said Benrahma has pleaded guilty to owning ‘dangerously out of control dogs’ following an incident that occurred over two years ago. Benrahma, 30, admitted guilt to two charges at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was subsequently fined £12,000. The incident, which unfolded in July 2023, involved a golden retriever and its owner being attacked.
The Algerian winger’s XL Bully – a breed outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 since December 2023 – was said to have injured Luke Rehbin while out of control at his residence. A second charge relates to Benrahma’s American bulldog being involved in the incident.
Mr Rehbun sustained grazes to his arms and legs after wrestling with the dogs on the ground, whilst his dog required veterinary attention. Benrahma disclosed that the dogs had slipped out from a side gate left open by one of his employees. The footballer made his court appearance via video link from a car in Saudi Arabia.
District Judge Matt Jabbitt stated that the incident must have been “very distressing” for Mr Rehbin. He then imposed a fine of £5,000 on Benrahma for each of the attacks and ordered him to pay £2,500 compensation to Mr Rehbin plus £495 kennel costs.
Benrahma first arrived in England in 2018 when he transferred to Brentford from French team Nice, before moving to West Ham two years later. During his time with the Hammers, Benrahma netted 24 goals in 155 matches and played a key role in the team’s Europa Conference League victory under David Moyes.
He finally departed the London Stadium in 2023 for a move to Lyon. Since January, Benrahma has been showcasing his skills in Saudi Arabia with Neom SC.
During his stint in East London, Benrahma frequently posted photos of his dogs, Ghost and Cali.
