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Kurt Zouma and his brother Yoan have been charged under the Animal Welfare Act following an RSPCA investigation into last month’s cat-kicking incident.
Yoan Zouma was suspended by Dagenham in February after he filmed his brother Kurt slapping and kicking his own cat.
The National League club were first to confirm on Wednesday that Yoan has been charged by the RSPCA over the incident.
‘Dagenham & Redbridge FC note the decision of the RSPCA to charge Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act 2006,’ the statement said.
‘Whilst Yoan continues to fully co-operate with the RSPCA, as this matter has now progressed further, Dagenham & Redbridge FC feel it is no longer appropriate for either Yoan or the club to make any further statement.
‘Dagenham & Redbridge FC maintain their position in that the club continues to condemn all animal cruelty.’
Dagenham did say that the defender would now be available to play for them after his period of suspension.
‘Since the allegation, and whilst investigations were taking place, Dagenham & Redbridge FC took the decision that Yoan should not play football for the club,’ the statement continued.
Kurt Zouma (R) and brother Yoan (L) have been charged under the Animal Welfare Act
Kurt Zouma was seen kicking his cat in footage which emerged on social media in February
Yoan, who filmed Kurt performing the shocking act, has now been prosecuted by the RSPCA
‘Four weeks have now elapsed however since the incident, and the club feels that any further suspension from the team would be detrimental to both the club and Yoan. A decision has been made therefore for Yoan to be available to play.
‘The club reserves the right to take further action if deemed necessary after conclusion of the court proceedings.’
Kurt Zouma has continued to play for West Ham since the incident, but has been on the receiving end of booing and jeers, including from Hammers fans.
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’.
Dagenham have revealed the 23-year-old has been charged after he was suspended by them
The RSPCA had also been investigating Kurt for his role in the incident, and later on Wednesday it was confirmed that he too is set to be prosecuted.
The animal welfare charity, who took Zouma’s two cats into care last month, said in a statement: ‘Following a full and thorough investigation, we have started the process of bringing a prosecution against Kurt Zouma and Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act.
‘The two cats continue to be cared for by the RSPCA. We will be in a position to release more information once a court date is confirmed.’
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.
The RSPCA later revealed that they have started the process of prosecuting Kurt
David Moyes has continued to pick Zouma despite admitting his actions were ‘terrible’
‘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.
However, the German sportswear firm has faced a major backlash over their decision to axe him.
Social media has been rife with assertions that Adidas’ decision to drop him as a client has racist undertones.
The sportswear giants stuck with Luis Suarez despite the striker racially abusing Patrice Evra and biting Giorgio Chiellini.
And last week they suspended – but didn’t terminate – their partnership with the Russian Football Union following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine.
Source: DailyMail
