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Kurt Zouma’s two cats have been taken into the care of the RSCPA, the animal welfare charity has confirmed, with the defender fined around £250,000 by West Ham United.
A video obtained by The Sun shows Zouma, 27, dropping the cat from chest-height, and kicking it as it lands. He then chases it around the living room, at one point throwing a pair of shoes at the cat, before slapping it in the face.
Zouma’s brother uploaded the footage to Snapchat on Sunday afternoon.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the well-being of these cats.
“They’ve been taken for a check-up at a vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.
“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.”
West Ham said the club “is supporting the RSPCA investigation” and that Zouma has “willingly complied with the steps taken in the initial stage of the process, including delivering his family's two cats to the RSPCA for assessment”.
The Premier League club added in their own statement: West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible following his actions in the video that circulated. The player has immediately accepted the fine, which will be donated to animal welfare charities.
“West Ham United would like to reiterate our condemnation of Kurt's actions and make it clear that the matter continues to be handled with the utmost seriousness. However, we believe it is now important to allow the RSPCA to conduct their investigation in a fair and thorough manner, and will be making no further comment at this stage.”
A statement from Essex Police on Tuesday read: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media relating to an incident involving a cat which members of our communities may find distressing.
“We have recently been made aware that this incident may have taken place in Essex and we are liaising with the RSPCA and urgent enquiries are ongoing.”
West Ham were criticised on Monday after Zouma started the game against Watford on Monday night. West Ham won the game 1-0.
Moyes said: “I am really disappointed and the club have taken all the actions that they can do at the moment. They are working on that behind the scenes. My job is to pick the best team for West Ham and Kurt was part of that team.
“I am a big animal lover. As I said, my job is to try and win for West Ham and to put out the best team for that.
“I think the club would rather deal with it all in time and they will let you know what the action is.
“I was really disappointed with what I saw and what I was told. But as I've said, it was my job to find the best team for West Ham. There will be people who will be disappointed at that and I understand that totally.
“I am someone who cares a lot about my dogs and horses and all the people I am connected with. I have spoken to him and we will move on as much as we can. We wanted to get this game out of the way and we understand nobody will be pleased about it. It is a poor situation.”
Over 80,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Zouma to be prosecuted, while Experience Kissimmee, West Ham’s “official destination partner”, has said it “will be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club” after the defender was selected for Tuesday’s match.
A post by Experience Kissimmee on Twitter said: “It was disheartening to learn that the player Kurt Zouma was part of the starting line in West Ham United's game. As we wait for further information from WHU, we will be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club.”
After the video emerged, Zouma said: “I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret. 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.”
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