West Ham ace Kurt Zouma filmed kicking and slapping his pet cat

The RSPCA has been inundated with complaints after footage emerged of West Ham star Kurt Zouma kicking and slapping a cat.

Furious football fans and animal lovers have inundated the RSPCA with complaints about cat-abusing West Ham ace Kurt Zouma.

The Premier League defender could now face a criminal prosecution if the charity deems his kicking and slapping of the helpless pet illegal behaviour.

The Sun exclusively revealed disturbing footage of the abuse, which has sparked anger across the nation.

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The France international is seen volleying his poor Bengal cat across his kitchen before chasing it with a pair of designer shoes across his dining room.

He then slaps the defenceless cat across the face — and out of child’s arms — before it scurries off in terror.

Zouma, 27, last night apologised after the emergence of the sick clips, which were filmed at his AUD$3.8 million house on Sunday afternoon.

The footage was filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan and posted to Snapchat on Sunday afternoon — a day after the centre-back appeared for West Ham in the FA Cup.

The first clip was captioned “sa commence”, which translates into English as “it is starting”. It is replaced with a dozen laughing face emojis in later clips.

Thousands complained to RSPCA when the footage emerged.

Hundreds of angry Brits are now calling for the £30m Hammers man to be prosecuted.

The Met Police this morning said they will not independently investigate the abuse.

But the RSPCA could bring an independent prosecution if they choose.

The charity has already issued a statement on the film, with a spokesperson calling it “very upsetting”.

“It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise,” a spokesperson said.

‘Upsetting clip’

The RSPCA’s official Twitter account has been flooded with fuming animal lovers, with Chris Geddes demanding: “Kurt Zouma must be prosecuted. No one should be allowed to get away with such vile behaviour! An apology isn’t enough.”

TV wildlife expert Chris Packham called it “unacceptable” while Dina Karins tweeted the charity: “Zouma must be banned from owning animals again. This is cruelty. Pure evil.

“I hope you do something about this.

“Kids look up to and idolise these players and then think this behaviour is acceptable.”

Another added: “Rip up his contract immediately. This is absolutely disgusting and inexcusable.”

And Chris Wainwright said: “I am sure, and very much hope, @RSPCA_official will investigate.

“There is no place for animal cruelty ever.”

Kurt Zouma of West Ham United. Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

‘There needs to be a prosecution’

The issue has also been discussed on breakfast television.

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.”

New legislation brought in last year means animal abusers in Britain could face up to five years in prison instead of just six months previously.

Zouma is likely to be dropped for West Ham’s Premier League 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.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as West Ham ace Kurt Zouma filmed kicking and slapping his pet cat