Zurt Zouma has two cats removed by RSPCA, as report details hefty fine (original) (raw)

Kurt Zouma’s two cats have been taken into the care of the RSCPA, the animal welfare charity has announced.

The West Ham defender, who played against Watford in the Premier League on Tuesday night, has been widely condemned after a video emerged of him dropping, kicking and slapping his pet cat. The RSPCA swiftly rebuked the “very upsetting” video after it surfaced online and will be leading an investigation while co-operating with Essex Police.

More than 150,000 people have signed an online petition on Change.org, started by Anti Animal Abuse, calling for Zouma to be prosecuted amid a growing public backlash.

“The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“They’ve been taken for a check-up at a vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.

“We’re grateful to everyone who expressed their concern for these cats. We were dealing with this issue before the video went viral online and are leading the investigation.

Moyes details ‘separate matter’

“We continue to investigate so we cannot comment further at this time.”

The Sun have reported that Zouma has been axed from the West Ham squad and fined £250,000.

Zouma, who joined the Hammers from Chelsea in August 2021, released a statement on Tuesday, apologising for his actions.

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However, he was handed a start in the Hammers defence in Tuesday night’s game against Watford at the London Stadium.

Ahead of the game, Hammers boss David Moyes was asked: “Did the video of Kurt Zouma on social media this week influence your decision to start him?”

Moyes, though, was steadfast in his answer, saying: “No, because he is one of our better players. But it is certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter.”

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Supporters’ Trust calls for Zouma punishment

Meanwhile, West Ham United Supporters’ Trust has called for Zouma to face the same punishment as anyone else would do over the treatment of his cat.

WHUST treasurer Kevin Hind, told the PA news agency: “The video which we saw was absolutely horrific. Cruelty to animals is completely unacceptable.

“These footballers, including Zouma, are role models to people, particularly young people. If they are seen to be getting away with this kind of behaviour then it shows impressionable people that they can also get away with the behaviour too.

“I don’t think any of us were impressed with Zouma having been played last night.”