West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma will be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act after being filmed kicking his cat, Sky News understands.
The RSPCA has begun the prosecution process against Zouma and his brother, Yoan, who filmed the incident earlier this year.
A date for the first court appearance has yet to be set.
Kurt Zouma‘s two cats continue to be cared for by the RSPCA.
A spokesperson for the animal welfare charity said last month: “Two cats are in our care, have been seen by a vet and are being well looked after.”
Yoan Zouma, who plays for National League side Dagenham & Redbridge, has been charged by the charity over the incident, according to his club.
In a statement, Dagenham & Redbridge said: “Whilst Yoan continues to fully co-operate with the RSPCA, as this matter has now progressed further, Dagenham & Redbridge FC feel it is no longer appropriate for either Yoan or the club to make any further statement.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori: British-Iranian detainees returning to UK today, Liz Truss confirms
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s relieved husband and daughter say ‘when we see mummy, we’ll believe it’ | live updates
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe: What we know about the deal that secured her freedom
“Dagenham & Redbridge FC maintain their position in that the club continues to condemn all animal cruelty.”
Dagenham also said that the defender would now be available to play for them after his period of suspension.
“Since the allegation, and whilst investigations were taking place, Dagenham & Redbridge FC took the decision that Yoan should not play football for the club,” the statement went on.
“Four weeks have now elapsed however since the incident, and the club feels that any further suspension from the team would be detrimental to both the club and Yoan.
“A decision has been made therefore for Yoan to be available to play.
“The club reserves the right to take further action if deemed necessary after conclusion of the court proceedings.”
Kurt Zouma has continued to play for Premier League side West Ham since the incident, but has been booed during matches, including by Hammers fans.
West Ham boss David Moyes said he understood the criticism he faced for continuing to select the France international, admitting what the centre-back had done was “terrible”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Zouma was fined the “maximum amount possible” by the club – understood by Sky News to be two weeks’ wages worth £250,000.
Vitality said last month it was suspending its sponsorship with West Ham.
“We are hugely disappointed by the judgement subsequently shown by the club in response to this incident,” it said.
Adidas also dropped its sponsorship deal with Zouma.
