Dog attack victim still owed fine from footballer

TL;DR

Saïd Benrahma, a former West Ham United footballer, has not paid a fine for owning dangerously out of control dogs that attacked a golden retriever and its owner in July 2023. The incident resulted in injuries to both the dog and its owner.

Key points

Saïd Benrahma owned two XL bullies that attacked a golden retriever.
The attack occurred in July 2023 in Hornchurch, east London.
Benrahma pleaded guilty to owning dangerously out of control dogs.
He has not paid the fine or compensation for the attack.
Both the dog and its owner were injured in the incident.

Mentioned in this story

Saïd BenrahmaLuke RehbeinHornchurchWest Ham United

Bailey

Saïd Benrahma training outside, wearing an Umbro bib

Saïd Benrahma played for West Ham from 2020 to 2024, before moving abroad to continue his footballing career [Reuters]

Former West Ham United footballer Saïd Benrahma pleaded guilty to two counts of owning dangerously out of control dogs in October, but the fine and compensation have not been paid.

The dogs, both XL bullies, escaped from his home in Hornchurch, east London, and attacked a golden retriever called Bailey and his owner Luke Rehbein in July 2023.

Both were injured with Bailey needing vet treatment.

Benrahma was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay Rehbein £2,500 in compensation plus £495 in kennel costs at a hearing at Willesden Magistrates' Court in October. Benrahma appeared via video-link from a car in Saudi Arabia.

More than six months on, Rehbein says he has yet to receive any of the compensation.

Saïd Benrahma with his two dogs at the back of his car. One is reaching up to see him and the other one is standing nearby.

Saïd Benrahma includes photos of himself with his dogs on his Instagram profile [Said Benrahma / Instagram]

Remembering the dog attack, Rehbein said: "They came out of nowhere, the only thing on my mind was to get these dogs off Bailey.

"Bailey got bitten everywhere and I also got bitten on my arm as well. They didn't have any collars on.

"We had to take Bailey to the vet straight away and I had to go to the hospital as well," he said.

Speaking about the lack of compensation Rehbein said: "I think it just shows that he doesn't care and he hasn't had the common decency to pay the fine.

"It shows a complete lack of respect for everyone involved and even to date I still haven't received an apology," he said.

The Courts and Tribunal Service has said no payments have been received.

Q&A

What happened during the dog attack involving Saïd Benrahma?

Saïd Benrahma's two XL bullies escaped his home and attacked a golden retriever named Bailey and its owner, Luke Rehbein, causing injuries.

What were the legal consequences for Saïd Benrahma regarding the dog attack?

Benrahma pleaded guilty to two counts of owning dangerously out of control dogs and was fined, but he has not yet paid the fine or compensation.

What injuries did the victims sustain from the dog attack?

Both the golden retriever, Bailey, and its owner, Luke Rehbein, were injured, with Bailey requiring veterinary treatment.