Kurt Zouma was found guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a cat, after blaming the family pet for damaging a chair. The hearing happened at Thames Magistrates Court in east London.
Kurt Zouma kept two Bengal cats (which can cost up to Ksh. 213,00 each) will find new homes with the help of RSPCA.
‘Both of you took part in this disgraceful and reprehensible act with this pet cat,” said Susan Holdham, the District Judge.
‘The cat looked up to you to care for its needs. On that date in February you did not provide for its needs.
‘You must be aware that others look up to you and many young people aspire to emulate you.’
Kurt Zouma’s brother Yoan was ordered to carry out 140 hours of community service.
Spokesman of West Ham football club said that: ‘West Ham United wishes to make clear that we condemn in the strongest terms any form of animal abuse or cruelty.
‘This type of behaviour is unacceptable and is not in line with the values of the football club.
After the video of animal cruelty, the club fined Kurt the maximum for the crime and the money was handed to deserving charities dedicated to animal welfare.
“We hope this case will serve as a reminder that all animals deserve to be treated with kindness, compassion and respect, and that we will not tolerate cruelty by anybody,” RSPCA chief inspectorate officer Dermot Murphy said.
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