A petition calling for legal action to be taken against a Premier League footballer who kicked a cat has hit 100,000 signatures.
West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma was filmed slapping and throwing objects at the animal in shocking footage circulated online.
The France international has apologised for his behaviour, insisting the pet is ‘cherished’ by him and his family.
Yesterday, the Met confirmed it is not investigating the incident as a criminal offence but the RSPCA can still pursue charges under their private prosecution powers.
Police forces in Surrey and Essex are also examining the footage to determine whether an offence was committed in their area.
A Change.org petition calling for legal action and for all animals to be removed from Zouma’s home has garnered huge support overnight.
The petition warns: ‘Failure to take action in this case will send the message that animal abuse for entertainment is justified, that for the rich and famous breaking the law is no problem. Neither are acceptable.’
A separate petition has also attracted support, topping the 80,000 mark this morning.
The 27-year-old’s club said they were dealing with the matter internally in a statement on Tuesday and ‘unreservedly condemned’ his actions.
But despite widespread outrage at the video, Zouma started for West Ham last night in a 1-0 home win over Watford.
He was booed by home and away fans throughout the game but remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.
Ex-England international and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said he was ‘shocked and appalled’ at the club’s ‘tone deaf’ decision to allow him to play.
In a statement released after the video emerged, Zouma said: ‘I want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video,’ said Zouma.
‘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.’
It remains to be seen whether the RSPCA will pursue animal cruelty charges against the ex-Chelsea and Stoke City player.
The charity confirmed it had seen the ‘upsetting video’ but declined to provide any more detail on an ‘individual matter for legal reasons’.
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