Charity joins calls for Kurt Zouma to face action over cat kicking video
Cats Protection have called the footage 'abhorrent and shocking'
Last updated 24th Feb 2022
Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma to be "prosecuted for animal cruelty".
It comes after a video of the Premier League star emerged online of him kicking and slapping a cat.
Zouma has apologised saying he is "deeply sorry", meanwhile his club have also condemned his actions and say they will deal with the matter internally.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Cats Protection vet Sarah Elliot said that the charity's position is that "cruelty to animals is no longer socially acceptable and it's a criminal offence and we want to stand by that action should be taken really in this case.”
She added: “It would be important to really hold people accountable, particularly people in positions of influence and public figures.
"We don't tolerate animal cruelty and animal abuse in this country, and I think it would be important to make a real stand against that in this case.”
Sarah also said she wanted West Ham to take a strong stance with their internal process.
“Ultimately it will be their decision as to whether they decide to dismiss Kurt or not," she said.
"But we as Cats Protection would want to impress upon them how serious this is and how shocked and outraged Cats Protection, our supporters and members of the public are by this incident.
"We really would like to see action taken and for this to be made very clear that cruelty to animals is not acceptable.”
After the clip emerged, West Ham criticised Zouma's actions.
"West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated," the club said in a statement.
"We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals."
Zouma, who joined the Hammers from Chelsea in August 2021, has also released a statement, apologising for his actions and expressing his regret.
"I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret," Zouma said.
"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."