Owner of XL bully shot by police denies charges

A woman whose XL bully was shot dead by police in Sheffield has denied being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control.

South Yorkshire Police said armed officers made the decision to shoot Sophie Zaherali's dog, Ghost, in December after receiving reports it had bitten a woman and showed aggression, though the charge states no injury was caused.

The 30-year-old, of Dykes Hall Road, also denied allowing a fighting dog to be in public without a muzzle or lead at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Constance Coombs, defending, said the plea was based on a "technical point" that Ms Zaherali did not allow the dog to be out but it managed to get outside "despite her best efforts".

Supporters wearing T-shirts with Ghost printed on them mumbled as the prosecution asked for one police officer to remain anonymous.

Mr Simon Walton said he planned to apply for permission for one officer, referred to in court only as PC A35, to be referred to under a pseudonym and give evidence from behind a screen.

Ms Zaherali asked at the end of the hearing if she could have her dog's body back but no immediate decision was made.

She was granted unconditional bail ahead of her trial on 13 October 2025 at the same court.

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