RSPCA takes away Zouma's cats | West Ham fine defender £250k

Kurt Zouma's cats have been taken away by the RSPCA after a disturbing video emerged of him hitting, dropping, and kicking his pet across his kitchen floor on Monday.

The 27-year-old West Ham defender issued an apology but Essex Police confirmed "urgent enquiries" were underway in conjunction with the RSPCA.

The RSPCA released a statement on Wednesday saying the cats "are safe and in our care".

West Ham have also fined the player two weeks wages - understood to be £250,000 - which will be donated to animal welfare charities.

The club initially condemned their player's actions after the video emerged but backed manager David Moyes' decision to start the player for the win against Watford on Tuesday night.

Moyes has said Zouma would remain available for selection while the club's internal investigation ran its course.

"Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats," an RSPCA spokesperson said.

"They've been taken for a check-up at a vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.

"We're grateful to everyone who expressed their concern for these cats. We were dealing with this issue before the video went viral online and are leading the investigation.

"We continue to investigate so we cannot comment further at this time."

West Ham United confirmed the club is continuing to support an RSPCA investigation.

There was widespread outrage and revulsion towards the video, while more than 1200,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Zouma to be prosecuted.

West Ham's wellness partner, Vitality, has suspended its sponsorship of the club with immediate effect.

"We were very distressed by the video we have seen of Kurt Zouma. At Vitality, we condemn animal cruelty and violence