News
Kurt Zouma has cats taken away from him by RSPCA as he’s dropped by West Ham
‘The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats’
Kurt Zouma has had both his cats removed from him by the RSPCA after shocking footage went viral of him attacking them.
Earlier this week, a disturbing video showed the West Ham star drop-kicking his cat, before slapping it in the face and throwing shoes at it as it tried to escape, prompting ‘urgent enquiries’ by Essex Police and the RSPCA.
In a statement, the RSPCA said: “The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats.
“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.
“We continue to investigate so we cannot comment further at this time.”
The footballer has also been fined £250,000, as West Ham donate two weeks of his wages to animal charities.
He’s also been axed from the squad for the East London club’s next game.
As we reported earlier, more than 150,000 people have signed a petition calling for Zouma to be prosecuted for kicking and attacking his pet cat.
The defender hastily apologised for his behaviour, saying the footage was an ‘isolated incident’ and insisting that his two pet cats were ‘cherished’ by him and his family.
Zouma’s statement read: “I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.
“I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
Yesterday, the Met Police confirmed it was not investigating the incident as a criminal offence, though the RSPCA can still pursue charges under their private prosecution powers.
You can sign the petition here.