​West Ham defender Zouma pleads guilty to animal offence charges | OneFootball

West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has pleaded guilty to animal abuse.

The 27-year-old admitted he was guilty of two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

Zouma was at a hearing at the Thames Magistrates' Court, alongside his brother Yoan Zouma, who also pleaded guilty to one offence.

Kurt Zouma was filmed kicking and punching his pet cat, with the video taken by Yoan.

Zouma apologised for his actions, in the hopes that a guilty plea will see him avoid any jail time.

RSPCA chief inspectorate officer Dermot Murphy said: "It's never acceptable to treat an animal in this way and we were shocked when the video was first brought to our attention.

"What makes this case even more sad is the way the video was filmed and shared, making light of such cruelty.

"We hope this case will serve as a reminder that all animals deserve to be treated with kindness, compassion and respect, and that we will not tolerate cruelty by anybody."