Andrew Rosindell MP spoke to GB News as his Animal Rights bill, which would see animal abusers prosecuted, is being heard in the House of Lords
Don't Miss
Most Read
Trending on GB News
Conservative MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, has told GB News he believes the Metropolitan Police should take "appropriate action" against Kurt Zouma for his attack on his pet cat.
The Tory MP, who was a friend of animal rights advocate Sir David Amess who was killed in his constituency last year, said: "I am absolutely appalled at the footage of the West Ham defender Kurt Zouma kicking his pet cat, something which he has admitted to.
"Cruelty towards animals is totally unacceptable in any shape or form; cats, like all animals, are more than just household pets, they are our friends and family who deserve the same respect as any one of us.
He went on: "There is absolutely no excuse for this kind of cruel behaviour and we should be taking a zero-tolerance approach to it.
"I trust that West Ham United F.C., the RSPCA and the Metropolitan Police will take the measures and appropriate action to Zouma, footballers should be setting an example to the next generation and this type of idiotic behaviour encourages the wrong attitude towards animal welfare.
Mr Rosindell has seen his animal rights bill pass through the Commons, which would see offenders prosecuted and fined up to £5,000 for harming animals.
The MP went on: "As a professional footballer, Kurt Zouma should be absolutely ashamed of himself as he has not only brought himself into disrepute, but has also embarrassed West Ham United Football Club.
"Many young people within my constituency follow the Club and look up to its players, and Kurt Zouma’s appalling behaviour sends the completely wrong message as a role model. I have fought for better animal protection, better animal welfare legislation and opposed animal cruelty since entering Parliament in 2001, I am therefore saddened that other public figures, like Kurt Zouma, think it is acceptable to do such a heartless thing to an innocent pet cat.
Kurt Zouma started in West Ham's recent win over Watford at the London Stadium, much to the amazement of football fans across the UK.
Boos could be heard around the ground as Zouma's side beat the Hornets 1-0.
Ronsidell added: "I sincerely hope Kurt Zouma’s treatment of his pet cat is properly investigated, and the appropriate action should be taken in response.
"My recent Animal (Penalty Notices) Bill passed the House of Commons and is now being heard in the Lords, before being granted Royal Assent by Her Majesty, this Bill aims to prosecute individuals who commit offences against animals and will potentially face fines of up to £5,000.
"We have a duty of care to the animals we are privileged to live alongside, as household pets, wild animals, farm animals and indeed, all the creatures of land, sea and sky, unfortunately, some don’t have the respect for animals that they deserve."
