KURT ZOUMA should face the “full weight of the law” after his cat-kicking shame – and does not deserve the support he is getting from West Ham and David Moyes.
That is the view of former model and east London pet rescue charity founder Celia Hammond, who believes her efforts have been “undermined” by the Hammers star.
The Sun exclusively released a video on Monday, February 7 showing Zouma to be kicking, slapping and throwing objects at his Bengal pet cat while at his Essex home.
Less than 24 hours later, Zouma started for the Hammers with boss Moyes suggesting it was because he is one of the club’s “better players”.
Zouma has since been fined £250k by the club, lost several sponsors, had his cats seized and is currently under investigation by the RSPCA.
His brother Yoan, who filmed the incident before posting it on social media, has been suspended by National League side Dagenham and Redbridge.
Yet the police halted their own investigation into France international Zouma, and West Ham and Moyes are set to continue playing him despite the outrage from the public.
Celia Hammond – founder of the Celia Hammond Animal Trust since 1986 – told SunSport: “Judging by the behaviour of both Zouma and his brother it seems unlikely that this was an isolated incident.
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“It is almost unbelievable that within 24 hours Zouma was selected to play in a match against Watford.
“This decision was a gross error of judgement by the manager and showed a complete misunderstanding of how the British public would be likely to react to these appalling scenes.
“The outrage that has followed was completely predictable.”
Moyes – as well as club vice chairman Karen Brady – have claimed in the aftermath that Zouma would be receiving animal welfare courses from the RSPCA, as well as donating the player’s fine to the organisation.
The RSPCA have since denied this in a tweet that read: “Our focus remains entirely on our experienced officers carrying out a full and thorough investigation.
“No plans have been made for animal welfare courses to be undertaken.”
Hammond – who was a model for Vogue before speaking up over concerns of the cruelty of the fur trade – added: “It is extraordinary that the British police will not investigate what has happened.
“The duty of the British police is to enforce the law and prosecute people who break the law.
“The RSPCA’s resources should be used to help animals and not fund prosecutions when the responsibility for this lies with the police.
“The Celia Hammond Animal Trust has been promoting responsible pet ownership in east London for over 20 years.
“To have our efforts undermined in such a damaging way by a supposed role model for young people is heart breaking.
“To behave like this in front of his own children is showing them that being cruel to animals is OK and even funny.
“Zouma should face the full weight of the law for his actions. This would show that no matter who you are, how rich or famous you are, animal cruelty will not be tolerated.”
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