Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – West Ham footballer, Kurt Zouma has been charged with three offences under the Animal Welfare Act for kicking and slapping his pet cat.
The West Ham defender, 27, will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court tomorrow over the Snapchat video where he was seen kicking the cat across his kitchen.
He is accused of two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one count of breaching animal welfare duty.
His brother Yoan, who plays for Dagenham and Redbridge in the National League, will also appear in court with his older more successful brother having been charged with two counts of ‘aiding and abetting’ animal cruelty.
The 23-year-old filmed the attacks and the French-born footballer siblings are expected to enter their pleas tomorrow at 10am.
West Ham fined their player two weeks’ wages worth £250,000, but the player has continued playing.
As well as the fine from his club, his behaviour cost him lucrative personal endorsements, including an adidas deal believed to be worth £100,000 a year.
West Ham boss David Moyes said he understood the criticism he faced for continuing to select the France international, admitting what the player had done was ‘terrible’.
Depending on the evidence produced from the investigation, Zouma’s prosecution could force West Ham to discipline the player further, having already fined him two weeks’ wages.
The Hammers released a statement shortly after his charge was confirmed, saying: ‘West Ham United is aware of the RSPCA statement in relation to its investigation involving Kurt Zouma. Kurt continues to co-operate fully, supported by the Club.
‘It is our understanding that Kurt’s cats have been checked by a vet, are in good health and have suffered no physical injuries. For legal reasons, neither Kurt or the Club will be making any further comment at this time.’
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