'HELPLESS'
Susanna Reid sickened and ‘can’t watch’ West Ham ace Kurt Zouma KICKING and slapping his cat in horrifying video
SUSANNA Reid said she was sickened today and couldn't watch as West Ham ace Kurt Zouma kicked and slapped his cat in a horrifying video.
The Sun revealed Premier League star Zouma could be prosecuted after being filmed booting his cat like a football across his kitchen floor.
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The West Ham star, 27, is seen slapping his pet’s face, hurling shoes at the animal, and chasing it around a room, with the club condemning his actions saying it will “deal with the matter internally”.
Speaking to co-host Richard Madeley earlier this morning, mum-of-three Susanna said: "There is something sickening about the defensive abuse of a helpless animal.
"Why would you do that? What on earth possesses you to mistreat an animal like that? And then thinking it's a good laugh."
Richard replied: "Power and control.
"I think there needs to be a prosecution."
Zouma, 27, is seen attacking the pet at his £2million mansion while his brother films him.
He drops the moggy and boots it in mid air across the kitchen floor.
In a final clip, the defender is seen forcefully slapping the cat in the face — and out of the child’s arms.
Last night, he issued a grovelling apology for the attack and insisted it was an isolated incident.
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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.”
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.
Disgusted animal welfare charities slammed the Premier League ace — who could now face a criminal probe.
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The Sun understands that the RSPCA has received at least one complaint about the video, which could give the charity leeway to pursue a prosecution.
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.
"We noticed that some people viewing the video online thought it was funny. We can assure them that this is not a laughing matter.”
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Last night, West Ham issued a statement “unreservedly condemning” their player’s actions
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.
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