THOUSANDS of people have signed a petition calling for shamed West Ham ace Kurt Zouma to be prosecuted for animal cruelty.
The defender was filmed kicking one of his two cats like a football and slapping it out of a child’s hands in disturbing footage filmed at his multimillion-pound mansion.
He’s since issued a grovelling apology after the film, shared by his brother Yoan on Snapchat, was exclusively featured by The Sun.
But the Premier League ace could still face a criminal prosecution if the RSPCA deems the clip contains illegal behaviour.
The Met Police say they won’t be investigating, although the charity has its own powers to prosecute if it sees fit.
Now more than 7,000 Brits have signed a petition calling for the Met to launch a probe.
The Change.org petition, started by Matthew Dixon, says: “Professional football player Kurt Zouma was filmed horrendously abusing a defenceless animal.
“He should be prosecuted for his actions.”
It comes as:
Mr Dixon wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has signed the petition.
“This ‘man’ cannot be allowed to get away with abusing this poor cat in this way.”
West Ham says the matter will be dealt with internally.
Zouma is likely to be dropped for West Ham’s clash against Watford tonight as the club disciplines the player.
It is thought the Hammers star man could be at least fined wages for the shamed clips, which fans have complained puts their season in jeopardy.
The club said: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.
“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
‘PROSECUTE HIM’
Zouma, 27, last night apologised after the emergence of the sick clips.
The video was filmed at his £2million house on Sunday afternoon – a day after he appeared for West Ham in the FA Cup.
“I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret,” he said.
“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.”
Thousands of people have contacted the RSPCA urging the charity to prosecute.
The issue has also been discussed on breakfast television.
BRITS’ FURY
Susanna Reid told Good Morning Britain viewers: “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.”
Her co-star Richard Madeley replied: “Power and control.
“I think there needs to be a prosecution.”
Meanwhile, animal charity Blue Cross has also backed calls for a criminal investigation.
Chief executive officer Chris Burghes said: “The video is appalling and very distressing to watch.
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“This kind of cruelty is unacceptable towards any living being, and for a child to also witness this is additionally disturbing.
“There may have been statements afterwards that the two cats are well-loved family pets, but the trauma this individual cat has experienced is very likely to affect its wellbeing for the future.
“The UK Government recently raised the sentencing for animal cruelty to a maximum of a five-year jail term, and we fully support prosecution for cases like this.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
