Surrey Police have confirmed that they have launched an enquiry into a video of West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma kicking and slapping his cat.
The horrifying footage, which was filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan of Dagenham & Redbridge, shows the 27-year-old kicking his cat across the floor before throwing a shoe at the animal and slapping it.
The Frenchman has apologised for the incident and is expected to be dropped from the West Ham squad as a result, with the club conducting their own investigation into the footage.
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The Metropolitan Police have decided against investigating the video, but Standard Sport note that Surrey Police have opened an enquiry and plan to work alongside the RSPCA in a joint investigation into the incident.
“Enquiries are underway after we received an allegation earlier today (February 8), in relation to an animal being abused at an address in north Surrey,” a statement read.
“The allegations were received after a video emerged over the weekend showing a cat being ill-treated.
“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.”
Zouma’s kit provider, adidas, have also confirmed they are investigating the video.
“We are aware of a deeply upsetting video circulating online,” adidas confirmed. “No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse, and we are investigating the incident internally.”
