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17 October 2025

Ex West Ham Star Said Benrahma Fined Over Dog Attack

The footballer was ordered to pay more than £12,000 after his XL bully dogs escaped and attacked a golden retriever in east London, prompting renewed debate over dangerous breeds and owner responsibility.

Former West Ham footballer Said Benrahma, now playing in Saudi Arabia, has been fined more than £12,000 after his two XL bully dogs escaped from his east London home and attacked a golden retriever and its owner in July 2023. The incident, which took place in Hornchurch, east London, led to a court appearance on October 16, 2025, where Benrahma admitted to two counts of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs. The episode, described as "very distressing" by District Judge Matt Jabbitt, has reignited conversations about dog ownership responsibilities and the dangers posed by certain breeds.

According to court proceedings reported by BBC and The Independent, Benrahma's two XL bullies escaped through a side gate that had been left open by someone working for him at the time. Once on the street, the dogs chased and attacked a golden retriever named Bailey, leaving the pet in need of veterinary treatment. The retriever's owner, Luke Rehbin, suffered grazes to his arms and legs after grappling with the dogs in a desperate attempt to protect his pet. Prosecutor Rene De Silva told the court that Mr. Rehbin had been walking Bailey around 9pm when the attack occurred, with the two XL bullies "running over" and launching into the assault.

In a statement read in court, Mr. Rehbin described the harrowing struggle: "It was so hard to stop Benrahma’s dogs because of the weight of them and the speed of them." He added that the incident had left him "worried" that Bailey could be attacked again. After the scuffle, Rehbin said Benrahma was on his driveway with one of the dogs, appearing "very defensive" and insisting, "I will look at the cameras, the gate is never open." The emotional toll of the attack was clear, both for Rehbin and his dog, who required urgent veterinary care as a result of the injuries.

Benrahma, who spent four seasons at West Ham after joining from Brentford in 2020, appeared at Willesden Magistrates' Court via video link from a car in Saudi Arabia, where he currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Neom. The Algeria international, 30, pleaded guilty to both charges, acknowledging his responsibility for the dogs. During the hearing, Benrahma explained that the dogs had escaped due to the side gate being left open by a worker, a point reiterated by his defense lawyer, Adrian England, who argued the attack was "out of character" for the animals.

District Judge Matt Jabbitt, presiding over the case, underscored the seriousness of the event. He fined Benrahma £5,000 for each attack, ordered him to pay £2,500 in compensation to Mr. Rehbin, and a further £495 in kennel costs. "You were not responsible for the gate being left open, but you have overall responsibility for both dogs," the judge told Benrahma. The judge noted Benrahma had "expressed remorse when interviewed," and commented, "I’ve not come across a case before where I’m sentencing someone in the Middle East." The judge’s remarks reflected the unusual nature of the case, with Benrahma appearing from abroad due to his football commitments.

The two XL bullies involved in the attack now reside in France, according to testimony presented in court. The incident occurred just months before the British government implemented a ban on owning XL bully dogs in England and Wales, a response to a series of fatal attacks involving the breed. Under the new regulations, it is a criminal offense to own such a dog without a certificate of exemption. The timing of Benrahma’s case, therefore, brought additional scrutiny to the ongoing debate about the risks associated with certain dog breeds and the responsibilities of owners.

Benrahma’s football career has seen him move across clubs and countries. After joining West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 for a deal reported to be close to £30 million, he scored 24 goals in 155 appearances for the Hammers. In June 2024, he was signed by French club Lyon for a fee of £12 million before making his move to Neom in the Saudi Pro League, where he continues to play and also represents the Algerian national team. His sporting achievements, however, have been overshadowed by the events of July 2023 and their legal aftermath.

During sentencing, Judge Jabbitt acknowledged Benrahma’s remorse and lack of direct responsibility for the gate being left open, but emphasized the ultimate accountability that comes with dog ownership. "You expressed remorse when interviewed," the judge said, as quoted by The Independent. The court also heard that the attack was "out of character" for the dogs, a sentiment echoed by Benrahma’s defense. Nevertheless, the consequences for both the golden retriever and its owner were significant, with Mr. Rehbin suffering physical injuries and ongoing anxiety about future attacks.

The case has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of pet owners, particularly those with breeds known for their strength and potential for aggression. In the wake of the incident, the British government’s ban on XL bullies has sparked debate among animal rights advocates, dog owners, and the public at large. Proponents of the ban argue that it is a necessary response to protect public safety, citing a string of high-profile attacks. Critics, however, contend that breed-specific legislation unfairly targets certain dogs and does not address the root causes of dangerous behavior, such as poor training or irresponsible ownership.

For Benrahma, the outcome of the trial serves as a stark reminder of the legal and ethical obligations that come with owning powerful animals. The judge’s decision to impose a substantial fine and order compensation was intended not only as a penalty but as a deterrent to others. The court’s actions align with a broader societal push towards greater accountability and public safety in the context of dog ownership.

As for Bailey and Luke Rehbin, the physical scars are healing, but the psychological impact lingers. The case stands as a cautionary tale for pet owners everywhere: no matter how careful you are, the actions—or inactions—of those around you can have serious consequences. And when it comes to animals with the strength and speed of XL bullies, the margin for error is vanishingly small.

With the dogs now relocated to France and Benrahma continuing his career abroad, the immediate chapter may be closed. But for those involved—and for anyone who follows the ongoing discussion about dangerous dogs in the UK—the lessons remain as urgent as ever.