West Ham Fine Kurt Zouma "Maximum Amount" For Abusing Pet Cat

West Ham on Wednesday fined defender Kurt Zouma the "maximum amount possible" for mistreating his pet cat as the RSPCA charity said it had taken two animals belonging to the France international into care. The 27-year-old, who played against Watford in the Premier League on Tuesday, has been widely condemned after a video circulated online of him dropping, kicking and slapping the animal. West Ham issued a fresh statement on Wednesday saying they were supporting an investigation by animal welfare organisation the RSPCA into the case and that Zouma was complying with the process, including delivering his two cats to the charity for assessment.

"Kurt is extremely remorseful and, like everyone at the club, fully understands the depth of feeling surrounding the incident and the need for action to be taken," the club said.

"Separate to the RSPCA's investigation and pending further sanction once the outcome of that process is determined, West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible following his actions in the video that circulated.

"The player has immediately accepted the fine and has requested that it is donated to animal welfare charities."

Reports said the fine would total around £250,000 ($340,000), with standard Premier League contracts allowing for a maximum fine of two weeks' wages.

The RSPCA, which is working with police on the case, tweeted that the cats were "safe and in our care".

"Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats," said a spokesman. "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