Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Kurt Zouma, West Ham United, Premier League
Ryan Sidle
Kurt Zouma and his brother Yoan have been charged by the RSPCA, under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act, after the pair were involved in an awful video last month.
Dagenham and Redbridge defender Yoan shared a video of his brother, West Ham defender Kurt, abusing his cat in front of his child.
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In the video Kurt was heard laughing as he hit, kicked and chased the cat around his living room, before it went viral after being posted on social media.
Two cats were removed from the West Ham star's care by the RSPCA and now they've confirmed that the pair will face legal proceedings, having been charged.
"Following a full and thorough investigation, we have started the process of bringing a prosecution against Kurt Zouma and Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act," a statement said.
"The two cats continue to be cared for by the RSPCA. We will be in a position to release more information once a court date is confirmed."
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West Ham fans backed their centre back in the couple of weeks following the video, as it became a big story in football for a short time.
The club initially condemned the player but he was in their starting XI just hours after their statement, in a game against Norwich City.
Some criticism of the player did arguably go too far, but the former Chelsea man also lost his Adidas sponsorship from the incident.
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He has continued to play since the story first broke, but has been followed by songs and booing from rival fans throughout the matches, and even a message on an airplane.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is defined by five needs, including the 'need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.'
People falling foul of the law under section four, unnecessary suffering, can be liable of 'imprisonment up to a year, or up to five years if convicted on indictment, or a fine up to £20,000 or both.'
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The two Zouma brothers will find out their fate in the near future.