Kurt Zouma charged with animal welfare offences after cat kicking video outcry

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West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has been charged with three offences under the Animal Welfare Act after allegedly harming his pet cat.

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The charges relate to a video which surfaced back in February, appearing to show the 27-year-old kicking and slapping one of his pets.

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Kurt’s brother Yoan has also been charged with the two now set to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a first hearing.

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Kurt, who West Ham signed from Chelsea in a deal worth £29.8million last summer, was fined a reported £250,000 by the Hammers, but remained in the first team following the incident.

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The French international was dropped by a number of his sponsors including Sportswear giants Adidas.

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The West Ham defender has been regularly mocked by opposition supporters since the video was uploaded,

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“Kurt continues to cooperate fully, supported by the Club. It is our understanding that Kurt’s cats have been checked by a vet, are in good health and have suffered no physical injuries.

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