Overview
- Sheffield Magistrates’ Court found Sophie Zaherali guilty of owning a dog dangerously out of control with no injury, and she had earlier pleaded guilty to a malicious communications offence.
- Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2025, after the judge said a custodial sentence is not being considered as pre-sentencing reports are prepared.
- The bodycam clip shows officer A35 firing three shotgun rounds at Ghost, with the footage ending before a final pistol shot, and South Yorkshire Police said the action was taken to mitigate risk to the public.
- The December 7, 2024 incident followed multiple 999 calls about a dangerous dog in Hillsborough, with witnesses describing the XL Bully jumping up at people and officers reporting it ran toward them with no owner in sight.
- Prosecutors said Ghost’s banned-breed exemption had lapsed because proof of neutering was not submitted, while Zaherali denounced the shooting and is promoting a proposed 'Ghost Act' as she awaits the return of the dog’s body.