West Ham fine defender after RSPCA take cats | Adidas drop Zouma

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.

Adidas confirmed Zouma is no longer associated with the company after "investigating the incident internally".

A statement read: "We have concluded our investigation and can confirm Kurt Zouma is no longer an Adidas contracted athlete."

Adidas had earlier said: "No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse."

There was widespread outrage and revulsion towards the