The West Ham star was filmed kicking and slapping his pet cat in a shocking video Kurt Zouma may have landed himself in trouble with law enforcement after he was filmed engaging in an act of animal cruelty.
The 27-year-old West Ham defender was seen in footage released on Monday, physically attacking his pet cat in his mansion while being filmed by his brother.
The footage begins with Zouma dropping his cat on the floor and booting it across the kitchen floor.
The Frenchman then goes ahead to chase the cat across the dining room in the presence of a child, while the cameraman laughs.
He also throws a pair of designer shoes at the cat while it tries to escape and finally is seen slapping the cat in the face and out of the child’s arms.
Disgusted animal welfare charities have now slammed the Premier League ace, who could now be possibly facing a criminal probe.
According to The Sun, the RSPCA has received at least one complaint about the video, which could give the charity leeway to pursue a prosecution.
READ ALSO: West Ham’s Zouma apologizes for abusing cat in shocking online video
Although on Monday night, Zouma did issue an apology for the attack, insisting it was an isolated incident.
“I want to apologize for my actions. There are no excuses for my behavior, which I sincerely regret.
I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I 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 behavior was an isolated incident that will not happen again,” he said.
However, West Ham has now issued a statement strongly condemning the Frenchman’s actions.
“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.”
According to sources close to Zouma, It is understood that the £30million former Chelsea player was furious that his Bengal – an expensive breed of a domesticated cat that looks like a small leopard, messed up his home.
The horrific footage was filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan and then posted on Snapchat on Sunday afternoon, a day after the center-back appeared for West Ham in the FA Cup.
Zouma, who is a Premier League winner with Chelsea after joining them in 2014, has scored one goal in 12 games since moving to the Hammers in the summer.
A video obtained by The Sun allegedly shows footballer Kurt Zouma kicking and hitting his cat.
It’s absolutely disgusting and disturbing footage. I hope he is prosecuted for animal cruelty. pic.twitter.com/3K7xMeHh5j
— Emily Hewertson (@emilyhewertson) February 7, 2022
