West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma is set to appear in court next month after being prosecuted by the RSPCA for slapping and kicking his pet cats.
In a video which was shared across social media, the Frenchman and his footballer brother Yoan Zouma appeared to strike the cat, with his pets subsequently taken into care. The two brothers are now being prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act and are due at Barkingside Magistrates Court on May 24.
Following the footage, on February 10 Yoan was suspended by non-league club Dagenham & Redbridge, only returning to the squad at the start of March. West Ham meanwhile, fined Kurt two-weeks wages but opted to not suspend the central defender, despite widespread condemnation from neutrals.
Kurt was dropped by a number of his sponsors including Sportswear giants Adidas. The West Ham defender has been regularly mocked by opposition supporters since the video was uploaded, with some fans bringing inflatable cat toys to mock the former Chelsea star.
West Ham released a statement following the news that the RSPCA would be bringing a prosecution against their player which read: "‘We are aware of the RSPCA statement in relation to its investigation involving Kurt Zouma.
“Kurt continues to cooperate 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."
More than 80,000 people signed an online petition calling for Kurt to be prosecuted. The petition on Change.Org was started by Anti Animal Abuse.
A statement alongside the petition read: "In the UK we have laws against the abuse of animals, laws which should be applicable to everyone rich or poor, famous or not! We ask that the Metropolitan Police and RSPCA carry out an urgent investigation and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act."
Hammers boss David Moyes has publicly stood by Kurt and asked for forgiveness, saying: "A mistake has been made and there are managers with players who have made mistakes. You want to feel there is forgiveness and an apology has been made."
The court date provides an unwelcome distraction for West Ham as they prepare for the club’s biggest games in almost 50 years. The Premier League club meet Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi finals later this week and should they get past the Germans, they will participate in their first European final since 1976 on May 18.
