Police have launched enquiries into the video of West Ham defender Kurt Zouma kicking his cat.
Essex Police are working with the RSPCA, who on Tuesday evening released a statement saying it was investigating the footage, which was shared on social media and showed Zouma drop-kicking, chasing and slapping his pet Bengal.
Zouma has apologised and West Ham “unreservedly condemned” his actions.
The case was originally picked up by Surrey Police, who then had to hand it over to their counterparts in Essex when it became clear the incident had taken place in their county.
In a statement, Essex Police said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media relating to an incident involving a cat which members of our communities may find distressing.
“We have recently been made aware that this incident may have taken place in Essex and we are liaising with the RSPCA and urgent enquiries are ongoing.””
In a statement released on Tuesday, the RSPCA announced it was investigating the matter.
A spokesperson said: “This is a very upsetting video and we’d like to reassure the public that we are investigating.
“We cannot comment further at this time but we’re grateful to everyone who has brought this to our attention.
“We have received lots of messages on social media and our other channels, so we’re urging people to only contact our national cruelty line (0300 1234 999) if they have new or first-hand information.”
An earlier statement from the RSPCA condemned the behaviour, saying: “It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare,” it said.
Meanwhile, Zouma’s kit provider adidas have launched their own internal investigation.
In a statement to Standard Sport, the kit manufacturer said: “We are aware of a deeply upsetting video circulating online. No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse, and we are investigating the incident internally.”
A West Ham statement released on Monday said: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.
“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
Zouma’s brother, Yoan, who filmed the footage and can be heard laughing throughout, has also apologised for his actions via a statement released by his club Dagenham and Redbridge.
