More Than 170,000 Sign Petition For Kurt Zouma Prosecution Following Cat Abuse Video

Wednesday, 9 February 2022 12:14

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

More than 170,000 people have signed a petition asking for West Ham footballer Zouma to be prosecuted after a video released on Monday (February 7) showed him abusing his pet cat.

The petition on Change.org, started by Anti Animal Abuse, reads:

"In the UK we have laws against the abuse of animals, laws which should be applicable to everyone rich or poor, famous or not.

"We ask that the Metropolitan Police and RSPCA carry out an urgent investigation and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act.

"Failure to take action in this case will send the message that animal abuse for entertainment is justified, that for the rich and famous breaking the law is no problem."

Sponsors could terminate Hammers relationship

Experience Kissimmee, one of the club's sponsors, has said it is "evaluating" its ongoing relationship with the club - but boss Moyes controversially stuck with Zouma, naming him in the Hammers' starting line-up for Tuesday's Premier League match against Watford at the London Stadium.

It was disheartening to learn that the player Kurt Zouma was part of the starting line in West Ham United’s game tonight. As we wait for further information from WHU, we will be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club.
— Experience Kissimmee (@Kissimmee) February 8, 2022

Team sponsor Umbro said:

"(We) partner with West Ham United on a club level and (do) not represent individual players.

"Like West Ham United we condemn the actions of the player concerned and do not condone cruelty towards animals in any form."

Zouma is an Adidas client and the company said it was aware of the video, with a spokesperson saying:

"No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse, and we are investigating the incident internally."

Zouma started for West Ham against Watford last night (Tuesday) less than 24 hours after video emerged of him kicking and punching his pet cat.

Moyes says incident did not impact his decision to select the Frenchman as he is 'one of our better players.'

Tonight's line-up.@betway | #WHUWAT pic.twitter.com/viuaFuO23O
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 8, 2022

Zouma: I'm deeply sorry

Zouma issued an apology for the attack and insisted it was an isolated incident:

"I want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video (and) 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."

A West Ham statement said:

"West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.

"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."