A WOMAN claimed her XL Bully was “not dangerous” after the dog rampaged through a Sheffield street, attacked a woman and was then shot dead by armed police.
Sophie Zaherali’s dog, Ghost, sparked chaos on Dunella Street on December 7, 2024.
The 31-year-old insisted her pet was friendly – even after the horror attack that saw police forced to open fire.
Armed officers race to the scene after reports that Ghost had bitten a woman and was running loose in the area.
The powerful dog also became aggressive towards a second person, triggering an urgent armed response.
Zaherali was nowhere to be found during the terrifying incident.
Police said the situation escalated when Ghost ran towards officers.
They made the split-second decision to shoot.
According to the force, the animal was shot “to end and mitigate the risk it posed to the public.”
Zaherali, however, refused to accept her pet was dangerous.
In the hours after the shooting, she posted photographs on social media “in an attempt to identify the firearms officer involved.”
The post led to her being charged with sending, by a public communication network, an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message.
She appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court accused of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control.
Zaherali denied owning a dangerous dog – but admitted the malicious communications charge relating to the officer.
The firearms officer involved cannot be named for legal reasons.
Firearms Inspector Steve Usher condemned the attack and reminded owners they are responsible for their animals.
“Dogs are the responsibility of their owners, and they are the ones who will be held responsible for their animal’s actions,” he said.
“Sadly, in South Yorkshire, our officers have witnessed and attempted to save the lives of people mauled by their own animals. Everyone’s safety will always be our priority.”
During Monday’s hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, Zaherali was found guilty of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control.
She will return to court for sentencing on December 16.
South Yorkshire Police defended the decision to shoot Ghost.
“The decision to shoot a dog is one never taken lightly by our officers,” a spokesperson said.
“They are highly trained and carry out risk assessments and observations of the tactics available to them and the situation they are in.
“Our aim will always be to safely contain any animal, but the safety of the community and officers is always our priority.”
The force confirmed that Ghost had bitten a woman and acted aggressively towards a dog walker in Hillsborough, Sheffield – although no one else was injured.
Other charges – including allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead, and a second public communications offence – were dismissed.
Police reiterated that public safety always comes first when dealing with dangerous dogs.
“Everyone’s safety will always be our priority,” Inspector Usher said.
The incident has once again raised questions about dangerous dog ownership and the deadly consequences of owners losing control.
