THIS is the shocking moment a police marksman shot an XL Bully dead with a shotgun after the dog attacked a woman during a horror rampage.
Sophie Zaherali’s dog, Ghost, sparked chaos on Dunella Street in Sheffield 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.
And bodycam footage has captured the terrifying moment where an officer disembarks from his police vehicle before firing three rounds at the animal.
The clip ends shortly before the cop pulled a pistol and put the dog out of its misery.
Armed officers rushed to the scene after reports that Ghost, who was three years old and weighed nine stone, 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.
Sheffield Magistrates’ Court yesterday heard that the officers were acting on orders that the dog had attacked people before shooting, though the dog in fact had not injured anyone.
District Judge Tim Spruce found Zaheral guilty after a three-hour trial of being the owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control.
Mrs Zaherali, 30, also pleaded guilty to malicious communications against the police officer who had shot her dog dead, for a series of messages placed on social media following the incident.
Last night, Zaherali, slammed the officers who shot her dog as “murderers” and maintained the dog wasn’t acting dangerously.
But 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.
