Kurt Zouma: Police launch enquiries into video of West Ham defender kicking his cat

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Surrey police say “enquiries are underway” after they received an “allegation in relation to an animal being abused”.

They are working with the RSPCA with a view to launching a joint investigation into the footage, which was shared on social media and showed Zouma drop-kicking, chasing and slapping his pet Bengal.

Zouma has apologised and West Ham “unreservedly condemned” his actions.

In a statement released to Standard Sport, Surrey Police said: “Enquiries are underway after we received an allegation earlier today (February 8), in relation to an animal being abused at an address in north Surrey.

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“The claims were received after a video emerged over the weekend showing a cat being ill-treated.

“We are currently liaising with the RSPCA with a view to carrying out a joint investigation into the matter. Enquiries remain ongoing and we will provide further updates in due course.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the RSPCA confirmed it was looking into the matter and were urged to launch an investigation following complaints.

“This is a very upsetting video,” a RSPCA spokesperson said. “It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.

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“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”

Meanwhile, Zouma’s kit provider adidas have launched their own internal investigation.

In a statement to Standard Sport, the kit manufacturer said: “We are of a deeply upsetting video aware circulating online. No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse, and we are investigating the incident internally.”

A West Ham statement released on Monday 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.”

Zouma’s brother, Yoan, who filmed the footage and can be heard laughing throughout, has also apologised for his actions via a statement released by his club Dagenham and Redbridge.

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