Footballer brothers Kurt and Yoan Zouma to be prosecuted by RSPCA under Animal Welfare Act

West Ham defender Kurt Zouma and his brother Yoan are being prosecuted by the RSPCA under the Animal Welfare Act, the charity has said. Footage that surfaced on social media in February appeared to show Kurt Zouma slap and kick one of his cats at his London home.

The RSPCA said it had taken the 27-year-old’s two pet cats into care shortly after the footage emerged. Kurt Zouma has continued to play for West Ham since the incident, but has been on the receiving end of booing, including from Hammers fans.

West Ham boss David Moyes said he understood the criticism he faced for continuing to select the France international, admitting what the player had done was “terrible”. Yoan Zouma’s club suspended him last month after saying he had been responsible for filming the incident, and said in a club statement issued earlier on Wednesday afternoon that he had been charged.

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The RSPCA released its own statement later, which read: “Following a full and thorough investigation, we have started the process of bringing a prosecution against Kurt Zouma and Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act. The two cats continue to be cared for by the RSPCA. We will be in a position to release more information once a court date is confirmed.”

A further statement from the charity clarified that it "does not have the power to charge people". The RSPCA said: "We will be serving a summons on those involved with the allegations, court venue and date once we have heard back from the court".

West Ham said in a statement: “West Ham United is aware of the RSPCA statement in relation to its investigation involving Kurt Zouma. Kurt continues to cooperate fully, supported by