West Ham United and France defender Kurt Zouma has been ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service after pleading guilty to slapping and kicking his cat. The former Chelsea defender and his brother, Yoan, have also been banned from owning cats for five years. Joan was sentenced to 140 hours of community service.
Kurt Zouma Sentence with 180 hours of Community Service
District judge Holdham said: “Kurt Zouma, you were the owner of two cats. That cat looked to you to care for its needs. But on the 4th of February, you caused unnecessary suffering for your amusement.” The defender pleaded guilty to the offenses at Thames Magistrates’ Court last week.
The 27-year-old returned to the same court on Wednesday for his sentencing. Kurt Zouma was filmed earlier this year appearing to kick and slap one of his cats in a video uploaded to social media. West Ham United fined him £250,000 and he was dropped by a number of his sponsors. However, he continued to be selected by manager David Moyes.
His younger brother Yoan did not make a National League appearance for Dagenham and Redbridge after the incident became public. He did, however, make one FA Trophy appearance and was an unused substitute in the league on several occasions. A West Ham spokesperson said: “West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been handed a community service order following an investigation by the RSPCA.”
“West Ham United wishes to make clear that we condemn in the strongest terms any form of animal abuse or cruelty. This type of behavior is unacceptable and is not in line with the values of the football club.” “Within 48 hours of the footage emerging, we fined Kurt the maximum available to the club.” “Every single penny of this money is now with several deserving charities, all dedicated to animal welfare.”
The club also said they hope the general public will now allow the defender to learn from his mistake as he moves on with his career.
