Kurt Zouma: West Ham footballer could be prosecuted over cat abuse video

Premier League player Kurt Zouma faces potential prosecution in England and France after he was filmed abusing his cat.

Zouma has been widely condemned after the clip showing him dropping, kicking and slapping his pet at his home in Essex was shared on social media.

The French-born defender now faces a criminal investigation after the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals confirmed it was studying the case.

The UK charity, which has legal powers to bring animal abuse cases to court, said the video was “very upsetting” and appealed for more information about the incident.

Essex Police have confirmed they are liaising with the RSPCA as part of their “urgent enquiries”.

A legal complaint has also been filed in Paris against Zouma, 27.

The country’s largest animal charity, the 30 Million Friends Foundation, said it had contacted prosecutors.

It said the player should be dropped from the French national team over the incident, which it described as “heinous”.

Article 113-6 of France’s penal code says that a French citizen can be prosecuted for criminal acts carried out abroad.

On Tuesday, West Ham said it “unreservedly condemned” the actions of Zouma, who also apologised to fans.

West Ham's Kurt Zouma, right, faced boos and chants from opposition supporters during his side's 1-0 win over Watford on Tuesday. AP.

Manager David Moyes allowed the player to participate in their 1-0 win against Watford on Tuesday evening. The player faced a chorus of boos from his opponents’ supporters, including chants of “RSPCA” and “Now you know how your cat feels” when he was fouled.

West Ham said they would be “dealing with the matter internally” and that “we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty