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    Kurt Zouma finally breaks silence over cat-kicking shame as West Ham defender opens up on ‘great remorse’

    KURT ZOUMA has spoken out on his cat-kicking shame, admitting: “I have great remorse”.The West Ham defender pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after a disturbing video emerged in February.
    Kurt Zouma is apologetic but says he is ‘trying to be happy’ – nine months after the video of him attacking a cat was posted onlineCredit: Rex
    The football world was shocked when this clip went publicCredit: Supplied collect
    Zouma was fined £250k by West Ham and admitted two counts of causing suffering after he was vilified for ill-treatment of a pet catCredit: Supplied collect
    Zouma, 27, was captured on camera kicking his pet cat in the abdomen and slapping it on the head at his Essex home, and was later sentenced to 180 hours of community service.
    The Hammers released a statement that said: “Kurt admitted at the earliest opportunity that what he did was wrong. He has apologised without reservation.”
    Zouma briefly apologised after the video’s release, but speaking openly for the first time since his sentencing in June, he said: “It’s been a difficult spell for me and my family.
    “Obviously, I have done something very bad and I apologise again for what I’ve done. I know it was very tough for people to watch and to see that and obviously I feel very, very sorry.
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    “I have great remorse about it and now I’m trying to move on with my family and looking ahead. I learned from it, that’s the most important thing, I would say.
    “Obviously, I had support from many, many people around me who helped me stay focused on football and I try to stay happy.”
    In his short statement back in February, Zouma explained: “Our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy. This behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
    Zouma was later fined £250k by West Ham – donated to animal charities – and banned from keeping cats for five years, with the RSPCA taking away his pets after its investigation under the Animal Welfare Act.
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    However, boss David Moyes decided against dropping Zouma from his squad, and the Frenchman played in a match less than 24 hours after the video was made public.
    Asked how important the club’s support has been, Zouma added: “They have been unbelievable with me, the support that I received from my teammates, from the staff.
    “Even from the fans, they have been unreal, and they helped me stay focused on the game, to try to do my best on the pitch all the time and.
    “I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done. This club is like my family.”
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    The video was initially posted on Snapchat by his younger brother Yoan, 24, who was ordered to carry out 140 hours of community service after pleading guilty to one count of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring his brother to commit an offence.
    Yoan was also suspended by his club Dagenham & Redbridge for almost a month. More

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    I’m football mad and I’ve trained my pet GOLDFISH to play the beautiful game

    A FOOTBALL fan has trained his pet goldfish to play the beautiful game.Yang Tianxin taught five fish how to dribble, pass and score goals on an underwater pitch.
    Chinese footie fan Yang Tianxin livestreams his fish playing football to hundreds of thousands of viewers
    Koi of the Rovers … a fin-isher
    He livestreams matches on social media to more than 100,000 finatics.
    Yang said: “I didn’t expect the fish would play football at the beginning. They couldn’t shoot at all.
    “As I was training them, I found that they were getting interested in nudging the ball. After three months, five fish managed to score.”
    Real Madrid fan Yang, of China’s Guangdong Province, owns hundreds of goldfish in pools.
    READ MORE ON FOOTIE FANSBREAM TEAM

    Bert Troutmann
    Virgil Van Pike
    John Scales
    Scale Campbell
    Graeme La Ray
    Paul Shoals
    Gary Mackerelallister
    Stingray Parlour
    Shark Hughes
    Eeling Haaland
    Prawn Wright-Phillips
    Manager: Harry Redsknapper

    His fab five are rewarded for goals with food.
    They play in an aquatic stadium featuring moss for grass and plastic goals with sticky tape for the lines.
    Yang added: “I have been rearing these fish since they were little.
    “Once they are familiar with you, they will push whatever you give them.
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    “I’m growing some so I can form two teams and let them compete against each other.
    “I hope more people can know these goldfish and enjoy watching them to release their stress from their work lives.” More

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    West Ham’s Kurt Zouma filmed KICKING and slapping pet cat in shocking video

    WEST HAM defender Kurt Zouma has been filmed booting his cat like a football across his kitchen floor.The Premier League star, 27, was also seen slapping his pet’s face.
    West Ham has condemned Kurt Zouma’s actionsCredit: Shutterstock
    Horrifying sight . . . footage begins with West Ham star Zouma dropping the cat and booting it across the kitchen floor, before the petrified puss scrambles away
    The club condemned Zouma’s actions and fined him £250,000, which they state is the maximum fine they are able to hand out.
    The West Ham defender is seen attacking the pet at his £2million mansion while his brother films him.
    Zouma, 27, drops the moggy and boots it in mid air across the kitchen floor.
    The French international then chases the animal around his dining room in front of a child as the cameraman laughs.
    Zouma also hurls a pair of designer shoes at the pet — which frantically tries to escape.
    In a final clip, he is seen forcefully slapping the cat in the face — and out of the child’s arms.

    It comes as:

    Zouma’s cats have now been rescued by the RSCPA after thousands of people lodged complaints.
    Last Tuesday night, Zouma issued a grovelling apology for the attack and insisted it was an isolated incident.
    He said: “I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.
    “I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
    “They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    It is understood the £30million former Chelsea player was furious that the Bengal — an expensive breed of domesticated cat that looks like a small leopard — messed up his house.
    A source said: “It seemed that Kurt had got angry at the cat for accidentally smashing some sort of vase and tearing down a light fixture from the kitchen cupboard.
    “But what he does next is completely unacceptable. Kurt kicks it, throws shoes at it and then slaps it. The poor cat looked so scared.”
    The disturbing footage was filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan and posted to Snapchat on Sunday afternoon — a day after the centre-back appeared for West Ham in the FA Cup.
    The first clip was captioned “sa commence”, which translates into English as “it is starting”. It is replaced with a dozen laughing face emojis in later clips.
    Forceful swipe . . . the French international lashes out as child clutches cat on table — slapping pet around the face & out of the youngster’s arms — in disturbing final clip
    An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.”
    Dr Maggie Roberts, of charity Cats Protection, said: “Any person seen or suspected of treating an animal badly, whether this is physical violence, neglect or any other form of cruelty should be reported to the RSPCA.
    “The police work closely with the RSPCA to investigate cases of animal cruelty. Cats are sentient beings and experience pain and fear. Beating up a cat will only cause it to suffer physically and mentally.
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    “We noticed that some people viewing the video online thought it was funny. We can assure them that this is not a laughing matter.”
    Zouma — who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea after joining them in 2014 — has scored one goal in 12 games since moving to the Hammers in the summer.
    Emojis on footage as Zouma hurls designer shoes at pussFive years in jail under tough new laws

    ANIMAL abusers now face tougher prison sentences under a new bill passed in Parliament last year.
    The worst offenders can be caged for five years instead of just six months under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill.
    Dog fight organisers, farmers who neglect horses and thugs who abuse puppies or kittens can all be hit by the long jail term.
    The new legislation — championed by PM Boris Johnson and his animal-loving wife Carrie — came after a four-year campaign by Battersea Cats & Dogs Home in London.
    It makes CCTV mandatory in every slaughterhouse in England and bans the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter.
    Standards in zoos must be improved and household pets even have their feelings protected.
    The law says animals with a backbone have a right to happiness as well as avoiding suffering.
    The Battersea home launched the crusade after discovering fly-tippers were given harsher sentences than animal abusers.
    When the bill came into effect last June, comedian Ricky Gervais, 60 — a dedicated animal rights campaigner — said: “Justice will finally be served to anyone who perpetuates animal cruelty and a proper punishment brought in.
    “It’s one I hope will serve as a deterrent to anyone who’d contemplate harming an innocent creature.”

    £2,000 prized puss
    BENGALS are one of the UK’s most expensive and rarest domesticated cats.
    The breed originated in the US in the 1970s from wild Asian leopard cats crossed with tabbies.
    Bengal kittens now cost around £2,000 each.
    Their spotted coats make them look like mini-leopards and their athletic, slender physiques have seen them become prized pets in the cat world.
    They are known for their extremely friendly personalities and are loved for being similar to dogs with displays of loyalty.
    Celebrity owners include Twilight star Kristen Stewart, 31, TV favourite Jonathan Ross, 61, and reality star Kourtney Kardashian, 42. More

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    West Ham star Kurt Zouma filmed KICKING and slapping his pet cat in shocking video

    WEST HAM ace Kurt Zouma has been filmed booting his cat like a football across his kitchen floor.The Premier League star, 27, was also seen slapping his pet’s face.
    West Ham has condemned Kurt Zouma’s actionsCredit: Shutterstock
    Horrifying sight . . . footage begins with West Ham star Zouma dropping the cat and booting it across the kitchen floor, before the petrified puss scrambles away
    The club condemned Zouma’s actions and fined him £250,000, which they state is the maximum fine they are able to hand out.
    The West Ham defender is seen attacking the pet at his £2million mansion while his brother films him.
    Zouma, 27, drops the moggy and boots it in mid air across the kitchen floor.
    The French international then chases the animal around his dining room in front of a child as the cameraman laughs.
    Zouma also hurls a pair of designer shoes at the pet — which frantically tries to escape.
    In a final clip, he is seen forcefully slapping the cat in the face — and out of the child’s arms.

    It comes as:

    Zouma’s cats have now been rescued by the RSCPA after thousands of people lodged complaints.
    On Tuesday night, Zouma issued a grovelling apology for the attack and insisted it was an isolated incident.
    He said: “I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.
    “I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
    “They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    It is understood the £30million former Chelsea player was furious that the Bengal — an expensive breed of domesticated cat that looks like a small leopard — messed up his house.
    A source said: “It seemed that Kurt had got angry at the cat for accidentally smashing some sort of vase and tearing down a light fixture from the kitchen cupboard.
    “But what he does next is completely unacceptable. Kurt kicks it, throws shoes at it and then slaps it. The poor cat looked so scared.”
    The disturbing footage was filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan and posted to Snapchat on Sunday afternoon — a day after the centre-back appeared for West Ham in the FA Cup.
    The first clip was captioned “sa commence”, which translates into English as “it is starting”. It is replaced with a dozen laughing face emojis in later clips.
    Forceful swipe . . . the French international lashes out as child clutches cat on table — slapping pet around the face & out of the youngster’s arms — in disturbing final clip
    An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.”
    Dr Maggie Roberts, of charity Cats Protection, said: “Any person seen or suspected of treating an animal badly, whether this is physical violence, neglect or any other form of cruelty should be reported to the RSPCA.
    “The police work closely with the RSPCA to investigate cases of animal cruelty. Cats are sentient beings and experience pain and fear. Beating up a cat will only cause it to suffer physically and mentally.
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    “We noticed that some people viewing the video online thought it was funny. We can assure them that this is not a laughing matter.”
    Zouma — who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea after joining them in 2014 — has scored one goal in 12 games since moving to the Hammers in the summer.
    Emojis on footage as Zouma hurls designer shoes at pussFive years in jail under tough new laws

    ANIMAL abusers now face tougher prison sentences under a new bill passed in Parliament last year.
    The worst offenders can be caged for five years instead of just six months under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill.
    Dog fight organisers, farmers who neglect horses and thugs who abuse puppies or kittens can all be hit by the long jail term.
    The new legislation — championed by PM Boris Johnson and his animal-loving wife Carrie — came after a four-year campaign by Battersea Cats & Dogs Home in London.
    It makes CCTV mandatory in every slaughterhouse in England and bans the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter.
    Standards in zoos must be improved and household pets even have their feelings protected.
    The law says animals with a backbone have a right to happiness as well as avoiding suffering.
    The Battersea home launched the crusade after discovering fly-tippers were given harsher sentences than animal abusers.
    When the bill came into effect last June, comedian Ricky Gervais, 60 — a dedicated animal rights campaigner — said: “Justice will finally be served to anyone who perpetuates animal cruelty and a proper punishment brought in.
    “It’s one I hope will serve as a deterrent to anyone who’d contemplate harming an innocent creature.”

    £2,000 prized puss
    BENGALS are one of the UK’s most expensive and rarest domesticated cats.
    The breed originated in the US in the 1970s from wild Asian leopard cats crossed with tabbies.
    Bengal kittens now cost around £2,000 each.
    Their spotted coats make them look like mini-leopards and their athletic, slender physiques have seen them become prized pets in the cat world.
    They are known for their extremely friendly personalities and are loved for being similar to dogs with displays of loyalty.
    Celebrity owners include Twilight star Kristen Stewart, 31, TV favourite Jonathan Ross, 61, and reality star Kourtney Kardashian, 42. More

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    West Ham centre-back Kurt Zouma filmed KICKING and slapping his pet cat in horrific video

    PREMIER League ace Kurt Zouma has been filmed booting his cat like a football across his kitchen floor.The West Ham star, 27, was also seen slapping his pet’s face.
    West Ham has condemned Kurt Zouma’s actionsCredit: Shutterstock
    Horrifying sight . . . footage begins with West Ham star Zouma dropping the cat and booting it across the kitchen floor, before the petrified puss scrambles away
    The club condemned Zouma’s actions and fined him £250,000, which they state is the maximum fine they are able to hand out.
    The West Ham defender is seen attacking the pet at his £2million mansion while his brother films him.
    Zouma, 27, drops the moggy and boots it in mid air across the kitchen floor.
    The French international then chases the animal around his dining room in front of a child as the cameraman laughs.
    Zouma also hurls a pair of designer shoes at the pet — which frantically tries to escape.
    In a final clip, he is seen forcefully slapping the cat in the face — and out of the child’s arms.

    It comes as:

    Zouma’s cats have now been rescued by the RSCPA after thousands of people lodged complaints.
    Last night, Zouma issued a grovelling apology for the attack and insisted it was an isolated incident.
    He said: “I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.
    “I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
    “They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
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    It is understood the £30million former Chelsea player was furious that the Bengal — an expensive breed of domesticated cat that looks like a small leopard — messed up his house.
    A source said: “It seemed that Kurt had got angry at the cat for accidentally smashing some sort of vase and tearing down a light fixture from the kitchen cupboard.
    “But what he does next is completely unacceptable. Kurt kicks it, throws shoes at it and then slaps it. The poor cat looked so scared.”
    The disturbing footage was filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan and posted to Snapchat on Sunday afternoon — a day after the centre-back appeared for West Ham in the FA Cup.
    The first clip was captioned “sa commence”, which translates into English as “it is starting”. It is replaced with a dozen laughing face emojis in later clips.
    Forceful swipe . . . the French international lashes out as child clutches cat on table — slapping pet around the face & out of the youngster’s arms — in disturbing final clip
    An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.”
    Dr Maggie Roberts, of charity Cats Protection, said: “Any person seen or suspected of treating an animal badly, whether this is physical violence, neglect or any other form of cruelty should be reported to the RSPCA.
    “The police work closely with the RSPCA to investigate cases of animal cruelty. Cats are sentient beings and experience pain and fear. Beating up a cat will only cause it to suffer physically and mentally.
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    “We noticed that some people viewing the video online thought it was funny. We can assure them that this is not a laughing matter.”
    Zouma — who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea after joining them in 2014 — has scored one goal in 12 games since moving to the Hammers in the summer.
    Emojis on footage as Zouma hurls designer shoes at pussFive years in jail under tough new laws

    ANIMAL abusers now face tougher prison sentences under a new bill passed in Parliament last year.
    The worst offenders can be caged for five years instead of just six months under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill.
    Dog fight organisers, farmers who neglect horses and thugs who abuse puppies or kittens can all be hit by the long jail term.
    The new legislation — championed by PM Boris Johnson and his animal-loving wife Carrie — came after a four-year campaign by Battersea Cats & Dogs Home in London.
    It makes CCTV mandatory in every slaughterhouse in England and bans the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter.
    Standards in zoos must be improved and household pets even have their feelings protected.
    The law says animals with a backbone have a right to happiness as well as avoiding suffering.
    The Battersea home launched the crusade after discovering fly-tippers were given harsher sentences than animal abusers.
    When the bill came into effect last June, comedian Ricky Gervais, 60 — a dedicated animal rights campaigner — said: “Justice will finally be served to anyone who perpetuates animal cruelty and a proper punishment brought in.
    “It’s one I hope will serve as a deterrent to anyone who’d contemplate harming an innocent creature.”

    £2,000 prized puss
    BENGALS are one of the UK’s most expensive and rarest domesticated cats.
    The breed originated in the US in the 1970s from wild Asian leopard cats crossed with tabbies.
    Bengal kittens now cost around £2,000 each.
    Their spotted coats make them look like mini-leopards and their athletic, slender physiques have seen them become prized pets in the cat world.
    They are known for their extremely friendly personalities and are loved for being similar to dogs with displays of loyalty.
    Celebrity owners include Twilight star Kristen Stewart, 31, TV favourite Jonathan Ross, 61, and reality star Kourtney Kardashian, 42. More

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    West Ham defender Kurt Zouma to be given animal cruelty ‘lessons’ by RSPCA as he hopes to dodge charges over cat attack

    CAT-kicking Kurt Zouma will be given animal care “lessons” as he hopes to avoid prosecution.The West Ham defender, 27, is facing charges within days as RSPCA inspectors handle their probe “at an incredible pace”.
    Cat-kicking Kurt Zouma will be given animal care “lessons”Credit: Getty
    The RSPCA confirmed it is investigating the disturbing footage
    But, West Ham manager David Moyes says Zouma is “hoping he’s forgiven for a bad action”.
    “Animal-lover” Moyes said that the defender will be handed courses on animal care by the RSPCA.
    Zouma has already been questioned by the charity’s officers, sources say.
    Other witnesses have also been spoken to about footage of the footballer booting and slapping his pet.
    The manager said Zouma is “in hell” over the clip, adding: “If sponsorship is taken away from us that’s something the club will deal with and not me.
    “We are going to get absolute hell. He’s getting hell.”
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    Despite describing Zouma’s actions as “diabolical”, Moyes refused to drop the defender.
    He said: “I understand the criticism I have had personally.
    “But I know my moral compass.
    “If it’s to do with animals, no one enjoys animals more than me. I can look in the mirror but I understand they are disappointed.
    “That’s the decision I have made and I stand by that.”
    Moyes confirmed his centre-back could feature at the King Power on Sunday despite furious backlash.
    The player handed his two Bengal cats to RSPCA care for health checks and assessment. It is unlikely he will get the prized animals back.
    Zouma — who played for West Ham against Watford on Tuesday night despite a fan backlash — has been fined the maximum two weeks’ wages by his club.
    Meanwhile, Zouma’s brother Yoan, who plays for Dagenham and Redbridge, has been suspended by the National League club.
    Defender Yoan, 23, filmed the abuse on his phone before uploading it to Snapchat.

    If prosecuted and convicted, £30million centre back Zouma faces punishments ranging from a ban on owning animals to a jail sentence, although that is unlikely.
    A source said: “The RSPCA has been working at an incredible pace — even before video of Zouma’s cat abuse went viral. There is big pressure for them to be taking decisive action after police handed them the lead on the investigation.
    “If they deem it severe enough, Zouma could be charged as quickly as next week. There’s a lot of public anger over what happened, and quite rightly, but the investigation needs to be done to the book.”
    The RSPCA has been “combing through an avalanche of complaints” from animal-lovers after we broke the story on Tuesday.
    It said last night: “Two cats are in our care and have been seen by a vet and are being well looked after. They will remain in our care while the investigation continues.”
    French international Zouma also faces potential legal action in France after an animal rights group lodged a complaint in Paris.
    French citizens can be prosecuted at home for crimes committed abroad.
    West Ham said the matter will be dealt with internally
    Zouma apologised after the video was revealed by The Sun
    Five years in jail under tough new laws
    ANIMAL abusers now face tougher prison sentences under a new bill passed in Parliament last year.
    The worst offenders can be caged for five years instead of just six months under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill.
    Dog fight organisers, farmers who neglect horses and thugs who abuse puppies or kittens can all be hit by the long jail term.
    The new legislation — championed by PM Boris Johnson and his animal-loving wife Carrie — came after a four-year campaign by Battersea Cats & Dogs Home in London.
    It makes CCTV mandatory in every slaughterhouse in England and bans the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter.
    Standards in zoos must be improved and household pets even have their feelings protected.
    The law says animals with a backbone have a right to happiness as well as avoiding suffering.
    The Battersea home launched the crusade after discovering fly-tippers were given harsher sentences than animal abusers.
    When the bill came into effect last June, comedian Ricky Gervais, 60 — a dedicated animal rights campaigner — said: “Justice will finally be served to anyone who perpetuates animal cruelty and a proper punishment brought in.
    “It’s one I hope will serve as a deterrent to anyone who’d contemplate harming an innocent creature.” More

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    Kurt Zouma set to play for West Ham as David Moyes calls him ‘a really good lad’ despite ‘diabolical’ cat kick video

    KURT ZOUMA is set to play for West Ham against Leicester City on Sunday as the club continues to stand by the defender over his horrific cat-kicking videos.In a press conference today, manager David Moyes described the French international, 27, as a “really good lad” and said the club is getting “absolute hell”.
    David Moyes confirmed Kurt Zouma is available to play at Leicester on SundayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Zouma was filmed kicking and slapping his pet
    Moyes said Zouma is “hoping he is forgiven” and will be given “animal cruelty lessons” by the RSPCA after The Sun revealed a video of him kicking and slapping his cat.
    The manager also claimed Zouma is “in hell” after the huge public backlash – which also saw him dropped by a string of sponsors including Adidas. 
    Zouma was fined £250,000 – two weeks’ wages – for the sickening attack on his pet but was still allowed to play for the Hammers on Tuesday night.
    It was believed West Ham had dropped Zouma from the squad but the club had never made an official statement.
    But despite describing Zouma’s actions as “diabolical”, Moyes, who claims “no one loves animals more than me”, has again refused to drop the defender.
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    The Scot, who says West Ham have done a “very good job” handling the situation, spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of Sunday afternoon’s trip to the King Power.
    He said: “Yes he is available to play against Leicester.
    “It’s different views and different opinions, should he or not.
    “We as a club took the decision to make him available and I stand by that.

    “I don’t think the club could have taken more action any quicker than what we have done.
    “West Ham have done a very good job. We have fined him maximum wages.”
    Moyes continued: “We accept his actions were diabolical, but we have chosen to play him and stand by it.
    “It is a terrible incident. We all totally agree. Nobody in this club doesn’t agree with that.
    “But with sponsorship being taken away, that’s something the club will deal with, not me.
    ‘WE ARE ALL TRULY SORRY’
    “We are going to get absolute hell. He’s getting hell.
    “We are so disappointed. It’s out of character – we have never seen this from Kurt. He is a really good lad. Really surprised by it.
    “He is getting help and we are trying to do as much as we can to help him.”

    Zouma issued a grovelling apology for the shocking incident, insisting his cats were both ‘perfectly fine and healthy’.
    But the felines have now been rescued by the RSCPA after tens of thousands of people lodged complaints with the defender possibly facing prosecution.
    The ex-Chelsea man was fined two weeks’ wages, a whopping £250,000, by fourth-placed West Ham.
    Zouma started the midweek victory over Watford at the London StadiumCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Moyes addressed the media on Friday afternoon where he provided the updatesCredit: Sky Sports
    Yoan Zouma, left, filmed the incident and has been suspended by Dagenham & RedbridgeCredit: Instagram @kurtzouma
    Moyes added: “In most drink-driving offences, they have to go to classes to learn from it.
    “The RSPCA will provide us with some courses to help him understand how to treat animals.
    “We will do everything we can to help Kurt get better. As a club, we will do everything we can so that we can resolve it.
    “He is being treated the same way as any other player. I have never given preferential treatment in my whole career, over 1000 games.
    “Sometimes you have to treat players different, such as young up and coming players and very good senior players, but if it’s regarding disciplinary reasons, everybody is treated exactly the same.
    “Nobody is hiding away from it. We are all truly sorry.”
    YOAN BAN
    Zouma’s brother Yoan, who filmed the incident at the £2million mansion, has been suspended by his club Dagenham & Redbridge until the RSPCA’s investigation is completed.
    Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers was quizzed about Zouma’s potential absence during his presser earlier on Friday.
    The Foxes chief said: “They’ve got other really good players so we’ll see.
    “The system is more or less the same despite whatever personnel and we’ll just prepare for that.
    “I don’t know the dressing room, but it looks like David has a really good bunch of guys there.
    “They’ve done well this season and it should make for a really good game.”
    David Moyes’ comments in full
    THE answer to that is yes he’s available to play against Leicester.
    It’s different views, different opinions over whether he should be available or not.
    We as a club took the decision to say he should be available and we stand by that.
    I don’t think the club could have taken more action, any quicker, than what they’ve done.
    West Ham have done a really good job in fining him maximum wages.
    We all accepted they (his actions) were diabolical. But we’ve chosen to play him and we stand by that.
    We are so disappointed it is completely out of character from Kurt he is a really good lad we are going to get him some help and trying to give him as much help as we can.
    Like drink driving offences most people have to go to classes and RSPCA are going to provide him with classes and we will do everything we can to make sure Kurt is looking into it and getting better and understanding it.
    He is very disappointed and incredibly remorseful and sometimes in life you need forgiveness and he is hoping for that. Many of us through our lives make mistakes.
    He is treated the same as any other player I have over 1,000 games and never treated anyone any different sometimes you have to treat young players different.
    If it is regarding disciplinary reasons everybody is treated the same.
    I’ve never had one (an incident) like this. As a football manager it shows you never know what you’re going to get. That’s part of being in this job. We’d rather we weren’t making news.
    West Ham have made really, really good news in the last two years. We have a really good side.
    I’m sad the focus has been taken away from what is, at the moment, a really good season.
    We musn’t forget all the good work the Club have done in the last couple of years.
    We are upset by it and disappointed. I can’t say anymore I am someone who is a great lover of animals and have them.
    West Ham fans are disappointed and nobody is more disappointed than me and the club. We are in a good position so we do not want anything to distract that and this has.
    We are really sorry it has upset West Ham fans and we want their forgiveness and to forget in time.
    Kurt has apologised and out of a bad situation we are hoping to get a positive we hope the animal charities will benefit from it.
    I understand the criticism because of how severe the video was.
    I understand why people would be disappointed by my, and the clubs decision to play him but I stand by that.
    I think it is going to make it stronger, The club has acted brilliantly in a really difficult situation for the club. It is the sort of thing that pulls you together.
    Along the road there are plenty of bumps. We’ve hit a big bump and we need to try to get over it. More