The RSPCA has said that it has started prosecution proceedings against professional footballers Kurt Zouma and his brother, Yoan, in their roles in filming Kurt kicking a cat.
23-year-old Yoan, who currently plays for Dagenham & Redbridge, filmed 27-year-old West Ham player Kurt kicking and slapping one of his pets. After the video surfaced on social media, the RSPCA removed the two cats from Kurt’s home and began liaising with Essex police about the incident. Despite the controversy, Kurt Zouma continued to play for West Ham.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “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.”
West Ham United Football Club has said that they have been “aware of the RSPCA statement in relation to its investigation”. The club continued to say in a statement: “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.”
Following the incident, West Ham said that they had fined Kurt Zouma “the maximum amount possible” and that the fee would be donated to animal welfare charities.
However, Hammers sponsor Experience Kissimmee said that it will be ending their deal with the club, while a separate sponsor, Vitality, said that it has currently suspended their deal with West Ham. Adidas has also announced that they were ending their deal with Kurt.
National League club Dagenham & Redbridge have suspended Yoan, and he has only recently returned to the squad. A club statement from the club stated that any further suspension from the team would be “detrimental to both the club and Yoan.”
