Overview

• Sheffield Magistrates' Court on 14 October found Sophie Zaherali guilty of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control (no injury), and she admitted a malicious communications offence.
• The case stems from 7 December 2024 in Hillsborough, Sheffield, when her XL Bully, Ghost, was loose on Dunella Street and was shot by armed South Yorkshire Police officers after moving toward them.
• Police said the shooting followed risk assessments to mitigate a public threat, stressing officer training and that owner responsibility is paramount.
• Zaherali posted images on social media seeking to identify the firearms officer involved, leading to the communications charge; the officer’s identity remains protected by law.
• District Judge Tim Spruce ordered pre-sentencing reports and indicated a custodial sentence was not being considered, with sentencing listed for 16 December.