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West Ham star Kurt Zouma is CHARGED with three offences under the Animal Welfare Act after ‘kicking and slapping his pet cat’ as his brother is charged with two offences for filming him
- West Ham defender, 27, in the dock at Thames Magistrates’ Court tomorrow
- Zouma accused of two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one count of breaching animal welfare duty.
- His younger brother Yoan, 23, will be beside him for filming Snapchat video
- Yoan, who plays for Dagenham, charged with ‘aiding and abetting’ animal cruelty
Kurt Zouma was today charged with three offences under the Animal Welfare Act after allegedly kicking and slapping his cat.
The West Ham defender, 27, will be in the dock at Thames Magistrates’ Court tomorrow over the Snapchat video where he appeared to boot the feline 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.
The RSPCA prosecuting Kurt Zouma (R) and his younger brother Yoan (L) over a video that appeared to show the West Ham star kicking his cat
West Ham fined their player two weeks’ wages worth £250,000, though the club’s response was criticised as weak when they allowed him to continue to play.
The Frenchman has since been booed by rival fans during games and subjected to taunting chants.
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.
David Moyes has continued to pick Zouma despite admitting his actions were ‘terrible’
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.’
Adidas also terminated their contract with Zouma in the aftermath of the footage emerging.
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