West Ham defender Kurt Zouma charged by the RSPCA for kicking his cat
- Planet Sport writer
- 16 March 2022
The RSPCA has said in a statement it has 'started the process of bringing a prosecution' against West Ham defender Kurt Zouma and his brother Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act.
A video emerged in February of Kurt Zouma kicking and slapping one of his cats on social media which resulted in the RSPCA placing the defender's two cats into care.
Yoan Zouma was filming the incident and Dagenham & Redbridge - his football club - suspended him for his involvement in the incident.
The RSPCA released its own statement later, which read: "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 RSPCA also confirmed Kurt Zouma's two cats remain in care.
"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."
West Ham fined Kurt Zouma the maximum amount possible when the incident came to light, but manager David Moyes has continued to pick Zouma when fit and available.
The RSPCA described the video as 'very upsetting' last month and a Change.org petition was set up calling for Zouma to be prosecuted.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 16, 2022
RSPCA has begun the process of bringing a prosecution against Kurt Zouma and Yoan Zouma pic.twitter.com/A0a2nzDwIo
West Ham have been co-operating with the RSPCA throughout the investigation and on said in a statement: "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."
