By Kurt Zouma given 180 hours of community service for animal cruelty
West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has received punishment after pleading guilty to kicking and slapping his cat.
Zouma received 180 hours of community service and the 27-year-old has been banned from keeping cats for five years.
In May, Mr. Zouma admitted two offences under the Animal Welfare Act at a hearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court.
Zouma’s brother Yoan, who was also present, has to carry out 140 hours of community service, sentenced at the hearing.
An RSPCA investigation highlighted the cruelty carried out by Zouma after a video showing him abusing his cat went viral.
Yoan admitted to one count of aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring his older brother to commit the offence.
District Judge Susan Holdham said “Both of you took part in this disgraceful and reprehensible act with this pet cat.
“The cat looked up to you to care for its needs. On that date, in February you did not provide for its needs. You must be aware that others look up to you and many young people aspired to emulate you.”
Yoan, 24, filmed the incident and posted it on Snapchat on 6th February.
Zouma was also ordered to pay court costs of around £9,000 in addition to the community service.
“We are pleased there has been swift justice in this awful case and our focus now is matching these beautiful cats to the loving homes they deserve,” said RSPC chief inspectorate officer Dermot Murphy.
A statement from West Ham United said: “West Ham United wishes to make clear that we condemn in the strongest terms any form of animal abuse or cruelty.”
