Kurt Zouma is taking a big risk. The French international, who plays for West Ham (England), has been in turmoil since the broadcast of a video, published by The Sun, in which he mistreats his cat. His club denounced this violence and should condemn his player.
In the extract of just over thirty seconds, the former Chelsea player (27) notably grabs his pet before kicking him in the kitchen. He also runs after her by violently throwing objects at her before slapping her. All under the hilarious gaze of the person filming.
(Warning, the images below may offend the sensitivity).
A video obtained by The Sun allegedly shows footballer Kurt Zouma kicking and hitting his cat.
It’s absolutely disgusting and disturbing footage. I hope he is prosecuted for animal cruelty. pic.twitter.com/3K7xMeHh5j
— Emily Hewertson (@emilyhewertson) February 7, 2022
Faced with the excitement caused across the Channel by these images, West Ham, which strongly condemned these actions, was quick to react and promised to deal with this matter internally. “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has been circulated. We have spoken to Kurt and will deal with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we do not tolerate animal cruelty under any circumstances, ”said the club in a press release sent to the English media.
For his part, Zouma apologized for his violence towards one of his cats since he has two. “I want to say how sorry I am to everyone who was upset by the video. I want to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy. They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behavior was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
If he should be sanctioned by his club, he could also be in trouble with English justice. Animal abuse is taken very seriously in Britain. A new bill was passed in parliament last year and provides for very severe penalties of up to five years in prison. For its part, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation has filed a complaint against Kurt Zouma.