‘Kurt Zouma’ rule will imprison animal abusers

New sentencing guidelines mean up to five years in jail for those who film and share distressing acts

A NEW “Kurt Zouma” rule will result in animal abusers being jailed for up to five years if they post their cruelty on social media.

Judges have been told to issue heavier sentences if people convicted of animal cruelty film their abuse, like the West Ham footballer, and post it online.

New guidelines from the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, published today, specify social media posting as an “aggravated” behaviour under the Animal Welfare Act. The law has been revamped by ministers to raise jail sentences from a maximum of six months to five years.

It is the first time that posting on social media has been treated as aggravated, meaning harsher penalties. It will cover cases of “violence or cruelty” to animals that cause physical suffering or emotional distress, the poisoning and mutilation of an animal or where they have been used for fighting.

The RSPCA is prosecuting Zouma and his brother, Yoan, under the Animal Welfare Act after a video emerged of a cat being kicked.

In the footage, which surfaced on social media in February, Kurt Zouma is seen kicking and slapping one of his cats, while laughter can be heard in the background. The 27-year-old then chases the animal before throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head.

The RSPCA took both of Kurt Zouma’s cats into care shortly after the video went viral and an investigation was launched with the police into animal cruelty. After public outrage, West Ham handed Zouma a maximum fine of £250,000 and condemned his actions.

The Sentencing Council said that to reflect the “seriousness” of such behaviour, it proposed to extend aggravated behaviour to “specifically refer to instances where the offender has circulated photographs, videos and similar of the offending on social media”.

Other aggravating factors that will see longer sentences include anyone who is classed as a “offender in positions of professional responsibility for animals” such as farmers, vets, pet shop owners and animal breeders. It will also include offences committed in front of a child.

Under the guidelines for the most serious offences, judges are given a range of 26 weeks to three years for prison sentences, but have the option to jail up to the five-year maximum in “extreme” cases. Those cases at the top of the scale will involve the death of the animal, “particularly grave or lifethreatening injury,” or very high levels of pain or suffering.

Those found guilty of “prolonged and/or repeated incidents of serious cruelty and/or sadistic behaviour”, use of significant force or playing a “leading role” in the illegal activity will qualify for the maximum three or five-year terms.

Judge Rosa Dean, a member of the Sentencing Council, said: “It is important that courts have the powers to deliver appropriate sentences to offenders who commit these crimes.”

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “We’re pleased that animals will soon have better protection from those who hurt them and exploit them.”