Prosecute him! West Ham star Zouma filmed kicking his cat
PREMIER League footballer Kurt Zouma is facing an animal cruelty investigation over sickening footage of him kicking and slapping his cat.
Police and the RSPCA stepped in after more than 30,000 people backed online petitions demanding an inquiry over the abuse.
The 27-year-old West Ham United and France player has apologised for striking and throwing objects at the pet in front of two children.
But his club “unreservedly condemned” his behaviour, shared on Snapchat, and Essex Police have taken over a probe started by Surrey officers after his £29.8million summer move from Chelsea.
Essex Police said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media relating to an incident involving a cat. Urgent enquiries are ongoing.”
An RSPCA spokesman confirmed they had been inundated with complaints and said: “This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise. We would like to reassure the public that we are investigating.”
West Ham said they have dealt with the matter internally and added: “We have spoken to Kurt. We would like to make it clear we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
Zouma, selected to start last night’s Premier League clash againstWatford, said: “There are no excuses for my behaviour. I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video.
“I would like to assure everyone our two cats are fine and healthy. They are loved and cherished by our family.This behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.” In the clip, reportedly filmed by his brother Yoan, the £120,000-a-week star is seen kicking the Bengal cat like a football across the floor and is heard laughing. He also slaps its face and chases and throws shoes at it. Former West Ham striker John Hartson was appalled, tweeting: “This is despicable.” Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, said: “It is for the employer to discipline. Our role is to tell the player this type of behaviour is not acceptable.” Pressure group Anti-Animal Abuse, which started one of the petitions, said: “We have laws which should be applicable to everyone – rich, poor, famous or not.”