Over 70,000 Fans Sign Petition Calling For Cat Kicker Kurt Zouma To Be 'Prosecuted For Animal Cruelty' After Horrific Footage

West Ham manager David Moyes, 58, made the controversial decision to start Zouma for the Hammers’ 1-0 win over Watford at the London Stadium on Tuesday.

Zouma’s vile actions were captured by a cameraman -- believed to be his brother Yoan -- who can be heard laughing as the West Ham star tormented the cat.

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“Professional football player Kurt Zouma was filmed horrendously abusing a defenceless animal, a crime in the UK,” reads the petition’s description.

“He should be prosecuted by the Met Police for his actions.”

The petition, which was launched on Tuesday, has already amassed 73,437 signatures at the time of writing.

Change.org revealed that crossing the 75,000-signature mark would make it one of the most-signed petitions on the platform.

Moyes defended his decision to select the France international for the Watford clash, despite the impact that Zouma’s actions had “through the team and the club.”

“I have spoken to [Zouma] and we will move on as much as we can,” he said after the match.

“We have all felt it through the team and the club. We are all of the same feeling that it is something we didn’t expect of Kurt. We didn’t see that in his character or from him in anything we’ve come across with him.

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“We wanted to get this game out of the way and we understand nobody will be pleased about it. It is a poor situation.

“I am someone who cares a lot about my dogs and horses and all the people I am connected with.

“I think the club would rather deal with it all in time and they will let you know what the action is.”

West Ham said in a statement that they “unreservedly” condemned the actions of Zouma and the club in “no way condone cruelty towards animals.”