Animal shelter houses professional Schalke player Sylla amidst staffordshire mix: Defends Sylla
In a surprising turn of events, Moussa Sylla's beloved dog, "Ghost" (also known as "Luffy"), has found itself at the Essen animal shelter. The dog's arrival at the shelter was reported by the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ) following allegations that the Sylla family, including Schalke 04 footballer Moussa Sylla, had abandoned the dog [1].
The controversy began when the dog sitter, who had been looking after Ghost for an extended period, claimed that the Sylla family stopped responding to messages and broke off contact. The dog sitter further alleged that the family no longer wanted the dog and had it taken to the Essen animal shelter as a result [1].
The situation took a more complex turn when accusations arose that Sylla had imported the American Staffordshire bull terrier mix from France without notifying authorities or submitting the required permit and vaccine documentation to local offices. This breed is regulated in Germany due to its potential danger [1].
Sylla's lawyer responded to these allegations by labelling them as "unfounded and manipulated," claiming that the dog sitter had unlawfully withheld the dog and official documents while demanding money disguised as a donation before returning the dog [1]. The lawyer promised to use all legal means to defend Sylla's rights.
The investigation and public dispute centre on Ghost's custody, compliance with import and vaccination regulations, and alleged blackmail by the dog sitter. The case remains contested between Sylla's side and the caretaker, with legal actions underway as of August 2025 [1].
It's worth noting that Ghost is a Staffordshire mix, a type of dog considered "dangerous" in Germany. The future of the much-praised and well-loved dog by carer Lena Beuten remains uncertain.
References: [1] Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ), 2025. Controversy surrounds Schalke pro Moussa Sylla's dog at Essen animal shelter. [online] Available at: https://www.waz.de/sport/schalke-04/controversy-surrounds-schalke-pro-moussa-syllas-dog-at-essen-animal-shelter-1.4921053 [Accessed 1 September 2025].
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