Real Madrid player Ferland Mendy will go on trial for the attack of one of his dogs on a minor and other dogs

A football player from Real Madrid, Ferland Mendy, has been formally placed on trial following an incident involving one of his dogs attacking a minor and other animals. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly given Mendy's status as a prominent figure within the club. This legal proceeding adds another layer to the ongoing series of high-profile legal issues faced by Real Madrid in recent months, which have included disputes over the management of the Sky Bar at the Bernabéu stadium, conflicts with LaLiga regarding the CVC investment fund, and decisions made by the Supreme Court concerning the club’s plans to build a second parking lot adjacent to the stadium.

The incident occurred on January 4, 2023, when one of Mendy’s four Turkish Kangal dogs escaped from his property. According to the prosecution's statement, the dog breached the security measures in place after a vehicle entered the premises, leaving the animal unsupervised in public space. The dog then approached another dog being walked by its owner and inflicted severe injuries, leading to the euthanasia of the injured pet. A 17-year-old boy who had gone out to walk his own dog witnessed the attack and intervened to help the woman whose dog was attacked. During this attempt, the boy suffered a bite injury to his left leg, while his dog also sustained serious wounds requiring surgery.

The prosecution alleges that Mendy failed to fulfill his duty of care and supervision over large animals, neglecting necessary precautions that a reasonably diligent person would take. It further notes that none of the four dogs involved were microchipped, lacked mandatory liability insurance, and had not been vaccinated against rabies. These factors contributed to the severity of the incident and the subsequent harm caused.

In response to these allegations, the judge overseeing the case has ordered Mendy to appear in court and pay a bail amount of 7,410 euros. The competent authority for the trial has been designated as the Criminal Court of Madrid, although no specific date has yet been set for the oral hearing. The Public Prosecutor has requested a fine of 1,200 euros and compensation of 5,700 euros for the victims, covering both physical damages and veterinary costs incurred from treating the injured dog. Meanwhile, the private complainant seeks six months in prison and a fine of 22,500 euros, citing physical and moral damages along with the time required for recovery.

The trial will include testimonies from several individuals directly affected by the incident. These include the young man who was bitten, his father who owns a dog that was also attacked, the owner of the dog that had to be euthanized, and local police officers who responded to the situation. Additionally, Mendy will testify with the assistance of a French interpreter, highlighting the international nature of the case.

This legal matter underscores broader concerns about responsible pet ownership and the potential dangers posed by large breed dogs when not properly managed. As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will weigh the evidence presented and determine appropriate consequences for Mendy based on the alleged negligence and failure to ensure the safety of others and their pets. The outcome could influence future cases involving similar incidents and reinforce the importance of adhering to legal requirements related to animal care and responsibility.