Kurt Zouma’s cats have been taken away by the RSPCA after a disturbing video emerged of him hitting, dropping, and kicking his pet across his kitchen floor on Monday.
The 27-year-old West Ham defender issued an apology but Essex Police confirmed “urgent enquiries” were underway in conjunction with the RSPCA.
The RSPCA released a statement on Wednesday saying the cats “are safe and in our care”.
West Ham have also fined the player two weeks wages – understood to be £250,000 – which will be donated to animal welfare charities.
The club initially condemned their player’s actions after the video emerged but backed manager David Moyes’ decision to start the player for the win against Watford on Tuesday night.
Moyes has said Zouma would remain available for selection while the club’s internal investigation ran its course.
It is unlikely Zouma’s actions will lead him to being sacked but the club will deal with him as seriously as possible, subject to due process, and any club fines will be donated to animal welfare charities.
“Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.
“They’ve been taken for a check-up at a vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.
Update on viral footage of cats
We’d like to reassure people that we’re investigating and the cats are safe and in our care. We have been dealing with this since before the clip went viral online and we need to follow the proper legal process and not discuss due to UK GDPR laws. pic.twitter.com/LticInSmpn— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) February 9, 2022
“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.”
