West Ham’s Kurt Zouma has had two cats removed from his care while he is under investigation following a video of him kicking and slapping his cat.
An RSPCA spokesperson said on Wednesday: “The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats.
“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.”
Police have launched inquiries after a shocking video emerged of the Premier League star drop-kicking and slapping his pet at his multi-million-pound mansion.
But he played in the team’s 1-0 victory over Watford on Tuesday night and was booed by supporters every time he touched the ball.
The club fined Zouma £250,000 - two week’s wages - on Wednesday, which will be donated to animal welfare charities.
On Wednesday Mayor of London Sadiq Khan branded the player “a disgrace and a bully” and said he should be charged with animal cruelty.
He added the Premier League club’s “decent” reputation would be harmed if it was seen to be “condoning what this guy has done” just to win three points. Mr Khan told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “It wasn’t done in secret. It was done and then put out on social media which shows a lack of contrition.
“That cat couldn’t defend herself or himself. It was the actions of a bully.”
Mr Khan said Premier League footballers, like others with a high profile, are role models.
He added: “We’ve got to be held to account when we don’t maintain high standards. I think this footballer is a disgrace. I think the RSPCA and the police should be looking into a criminal prosecution.
“I think West Ham, as this player’s employer and as a club that is loved by fans across London and the country, should be taking action.”
He added: “I think Mr Zouma himself should reflect on what he’s done. He should show some contrition.
“If you get away with bad behaviour… young people who look up to you think that’s the way to behave and it’s okay.”
Around 110,000 people have signed a petition called for Zouma to be prosecuted. Former West Ham players Joe Cole and James Collins, working as pundits at last night’s game, felt the club had made a mistake in refusing to drop Zouma.
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker tweeted: “Shocked and appalled that West Ham played Zouma last night. A tone-deaf decision.”
Speaking after the game, Moyes insisted the video disappointed him but he took a decision with three points in mind. He said: “I’m really disappointed, and the club have taken all the action they can do at the moment behind the scenes. My job is to pick the best team and Kurt was part of that. I’m a big animal lover and it’s something that will have affected a lot of people.
“I was completely disappointed with what I saw and what I was told, but my job was to try and find a way to get a win for West Ham. Some people will be disappointed and I understand that.”
Zouma has since apologised for the video, claiming his cats are loved despite the abuse.
In a strongly worded statement, West Ham United said: “We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
It is believed the video was filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan and posted to Snapchat on Sunday — a day after the centre-back appeared for West Ham in the FA Cup at Kidderminster Harriers.
