On May 24, 2022, West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma appeared at Thames Magistrates Court in London, where he was sentenced for his role in a disturbing incident involving his pet cat.
According to reports, Zouma pleaded guilty to charges under the Animal Welfare Act after a viral video showed him kicking and slapping his cat. The video, filmed by his brother Yoan and posted on social media in February, sparked widespread outrage.
As part of his sentence, Zouma was ordered to complete 180 hours of community service and banned from keeping cats for five years. His brother Yoan, who also appeared in court, was sentenced to 140 hours of community service.
Speaking at the hearing, district judge Susan Holdham condemned the brothers' actions, saying: "Both of you took part in this disgraceful and reprehensible act with this pet cat. The cat looked up to you to care for its needs. On that date in February you did not provide for its needs."
