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Former West Ham United footballer Said Benrahma has been fined £12,995 after his two XL bully dogs escaped from his Hornchurch, east London home and attacked a golden retriever in what a judge described as a “very distressing” incident.
The 30-year-old Algeria international, who now plays in the Saudi Pro League, pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court to owning dangerously out-of-control dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The court heard that in July 2023, Benrahma’s dogs escaped through a side gate that had been left open by a contractor. Once loose, the dogs chased and mauled a retriever being walked nearby.
The animal’s owner, Luke Rehbin, suffered grazes and bruising to his arms and legs while trying to intervene.
District Judge Matt Jabbitt said the event must have been “very distressing” for both Mr Rehbin and his pet, before fining Benrahma £5,000 for each dog and ordering him to pay £2,500 compensation to the victim along with £495 in kennel costs.
Appearing by video link from Saudi Arabia, where he now represents Neom FC, Benrahma expressed remorse through his legal representative, who told the court the dogs had escaped accidentally.
The judge accepted that explanation but reminded the player that owners of powerful breeds have a continuing legal duty to prevent such incidents, adding that public safety “must always come first.”
Benrahma’s conviction represents a stark contrast to his years in the Premier League spotlight. After joining West Ham from Brentford in 2020, he scored 24 goals in 155 appearances and became known for his technical flair and composure in attack.
His move to Saudi Arabia in early 2024 was meant to signal a new chapter in his career, but the case has instead drawn renewed attention to the growing legal and moral scrutiny surrounding celebrity dog ownership.
The attack also feeds into the wider debate over the XL bully ban and the tightening of the UK’s dangerous-dog regulations. The breed was formally added to the prohibited list in February 2024 following several fatal attacks.
Owners are now required to obtain an exemption certificate, have the dogs neutered, keep them muzzled and on a lead in public, and carry third-party liability insurance.
Failure to comply can result in prosecution, heavy fines, or destruction of the dog. Legal observers note that Benrahma’s case shows how even accidental escapes can lead to criminal liability under the Act.
Public response to the verdict has been mixed. Some argued online that the fine was too lenient, while others accepted that Benrahma had taken responsibility for an unintended event.
Searches for phrases such as “West Ham player fined dog attack”, “XL bully ban UK 2025” and “dangerous dogs law explained” surged after the ruling, underlining the continuing public concern about the breed and its regulation.
Although the financial penalty is modest by professional-football standards, experts point out that a conviction of this nature can have longer-term implications for work permits, sponsorships and player contracts abroad.
For Benrahma, it marks a reputational setback at a time when his career appeared to be stabilising.
As dangerous-dog legislation continues to evolve, his case is likely to stand as a reminder that even unintentional lapses can have serious legal and personal consequences—particularly for those whose lives are lived in the public eye.
Benrahma’s conviction highlights the strict liability nature of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which holds owners criminally responsible the moment their animal is deemed “dangerously out of control,” regardless of intent or who opened the gate.
Under Section 3, even accidental escapes trigger prosecution, reinforcing that public safety outweighs personal circumstances. The case also lands against the backdrop of the XL Bully ban, introduced in early 2024 amid widespread confusion over registration, insurance and exemption rules.
Lawyers note that incidents like this expose the legal grey areas between the new breed restrictions and pre-existing dangerous dog laws.
Beyond the criminal fine, Benrahma could also face civil liability under the Animals Act 1971 if the retriever’s owner pursues additional damages, as the court-ordered compensation does not preclude a separate claim.
The ruling also feeds into ongoing debates around breed-specific legislation (BSL) and whether banning entire breeds, rather than focusing on owner behaviour, is compatible with modern human rights standards.
For public figures, such cases carry added weight: the court’s remarks underscored that celebrity dog owners are expected to set an example, with their convictions serving a deterrent function.
Legal analysts add that any conviction in the UK can have international consequences, potentially affecting sponsorships, work visas or “morality clause” compliance in overseas contracts.
As campaigners call for reform of the Dangerous Dogs Act toward behaviour-based assessments and tighter owner licensing, the Benrahma ruling stands as a stark reminder that the law imposes an uncompromising duty of control one that fame, remorse, or accident cannot offset.
What was Said Benrahma fined for?
He was fined for owning two dangerously out-of-control XL bully dogs that attacked a golden retriever in Hornchurch, east London.
How much did he have to pay?
A total of £12,995, including £10,000 in fines, £2,500 compensation and £495 in kennel costs.
What is the law on XL bullies in the UK?
Since 2024, owners must register, muzzle and insure their XL bullies; owning one without an exemption is a criminal offence.
Where does Said Benrahma play now?
He currently plays for Neom FC in the Saudi Pro League.
