Kurt Zouma played the full 90 minutes in his sides home win to Watford last night
The Change.org petition also asked the RSPCA to remove all pets from his care immediately which it has now done.
The charity has confirmed a vet is examining the cats and they will remain in their care while an investigation is carried out.
West Ham released a statement yesterday condemning Zouma’s action, but manager David Moyes still selected him last night for his side’s one-nil victory at home to Watford.
Moyes said in an interview to BBC’s Match of the Day, “My feeling was that Kurt has apologised and I understand a lot of people will not just be accepting of an apology. But to me he came out and [apologised] honestly and I had to do my job.”
“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.”
Zouma was booed by both sets of fans at the game at the London Stadium.
Zouma signed for West Ham in the summer for £30m from Chelsea
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said he was let down by the management of the club.
“I’m disappointed in David Moyes and West Ham. I know how important three points are, I support a club as well, they should have shown leadership and dropped him last night, ” he told Sky News.
“It’s despicable. I think a number of things need to happen urgently. I think the RSPCA and police need to work together to prosecute this player.
“I worry when young people see Premier League footballers getting away with bad behaviour then thinks it’s ok and you can be successful.”
An Essex Police spokesperson confirmed that it was also a matter that they were looking in to.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media relating to an incident involving a cat, which members of our communities may find distressing.
“We have recently been made aware that this incident may have taken place in Essex and we are liaising with the RSPCA, urgent enquiries are ongoing.”
Dagenham and Redbridge have also released a statement condemning their player Yoan, Kurt’s brother, after confirming it was him who filmed and shared the harrowing footage.
They said that they will take time to consider their reaction to the video whilst also adding that they do not condone any form of cruelty towards animals.
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Tags: West Ham, Kurt Zouma, Animal abuse
