Dylan Bettencourt
West Ham defender Kurt Zouma has been ordered to complete 180 hours of community service and is barred from keeping a cat for five years following a cat abuse scandal.
The Frenchman was seen in a viral video kicking and slapping a cat in his home earlier this year.
The clip was filmed by the defender’s younger brother, Yoan Zouma, who was also charged for his part in the animal abuse.
Both brothers were sentenced during a 15-minute hearing on Wednesday where judge Susan Holdham said the pair took part in a “disgraceful” act.
“Both of you took part in this disgraceful and reprehensible act with this pet cat. You must be aware that others look up to you and many young people aspire to emulate you,” she said.
“The cat looked up to you to care for its needs. On that date in February, you did not provide for its needs.”
Zouma was also ordered to pay court costs of R175,000.
The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to the abuse two weeks ago at the Thames Magistrate’s Court against two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a cat.
The incident is reported to have occurred as Zouma blamed the family cat for damaging a chair at his residence.
The two cats that appeared in the video have since been taken from Zouma and been rehomed.
Zouma was fined the maximum amount from his Premier League club, R5 million, as well as losing lucrative sponsorship deals with brands such as Adidas.
The former Chelsea player also lost his spot in the French national team and has not been selected for the side since the footage emerged.
Yoan plays for National League club Dagenham & Redbridge but has not appeared for the side since late January.
Image source: @APNews
