Kurt Zouma has found himself in hot water after the West Ham defender was filmed kicking his pet cat with several petitions now being signed calling for action to be taken
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Petitions calling for Kurt Zouma to be punished after footage was posted of him kicking a cat have gathered thousands of signatures.
The West Ham defender has found himself dealing with huge criticism after the shocking video came to light.
Zouma was filmed kicking his cat before hurling an object at his pet and has said he is “deeply sorry”.
In a statement the Frenchman claimed there were ‘no excuses’ for his action and wanted to reassure people his two cats are “loved and cherished”.
The 27-year-old started for West Ham in their 1-0 win over Watford on Tuesday night.
His club have “unreservedly condemned” their player’s action and would be dealing with the action internally.
However, with people still angry at the video, which was filmed and upload by Zouma’s brother, Yoan, there have been calls to prosecute the player.
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One petition addressed to ‘the police’ calls to “have Kurt Zouma prosecuted for animal cruelty” and has received more than 5,240 signatures within 24 hours.
Another addressed to RSPCA bosses and Cressida Dick, the commissioner of the Met Police, calls for Zouma’s animals to be remove and has received more than 1,700 signatures.
It is understood the Metropolitan Police have chosen not to investigate the incident and, as things stand, Zouma will not face any criminal charges.
Surrey Police have confirmed to the Evening Standard that their enquiries are now underway.
They said in a statement: “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.”
Essex Police are also enquiring about the incident.
The RSPCA, who also has the power to prosecute, has suggested it could investigate the matter.
A spokesperson said: “This is a very upsetting video. 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.”
The RSPCA’s prosecutions carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the most serious offences.
West Ham boss David Moyes was quizzed on his decision to play Zouma in light of recent incidents and said: “No, because he is one of our better players. But it is certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter.”
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