Kurt Zouma and his brother have been charged under the Animal Welfare Act

Kurt Zouma and his brother Yoan have been charged under the Animal Welfare Act, the RSPCA has announced.

The West Ham defender was widely condemned after a video, which was filmed by Yoan, emerged of him slapping and kicking his pet cat.

Zouma’s pet cats were seized by the RSPCA, while West Ham fined their player £250,000.

Yoan Zouma’s club suspended him last month after saying he had been responsible for filming the incident, and said in a club statement issued earlier on Wednesday afternoon that he had been charged.

However, the RSPCA have revealed they will be prosecuting him and his brother for their part in the incident.

A statement read: “Following a full and thorough investigation, we have started the process of bringing a prosecution against Kurt Zouma and Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act.

“The two cats continue to be cared for by the RSPCA. We will be in a position to release more information once a court date is confirmed.”

West Ham have continued to play Zouma, 27, who has featured in five out of six of their Premier League matches since the incident.

West Ham boss David Moyes said he understood the criticism he faced for continuing to select the France international, admitting what the player had done was ‘terrible’.

Meanwhile, Dagenham and Redbridge say that their defender, 23, 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,” a statement read.

“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.”