The RSPCA has confirmed Kurt Zouma's cats are now in its care following the emergence of a video that showed West Ham footballer hitting and slapping one of his animals.
The RSPCA said in a statement: "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.
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"We continue to investigate so we cannot comment further at this time."
West Ham also said Zouma has been fined two weeks' wages - reportedly £250,000 ($339,000) - and the fine will be donated to animal charities.
After being widely criticised for the footage, 27-year-old Zouma - who is an ambassador for a French animal charity - issued an apology.
He said in a statement: "I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.
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"I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
"They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again."
His football club, West Ham United, has also released a statement to say the matter was being 'dealt with internally'.
A spokesperson said: "West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.
"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."
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Much to many fans' surprise, the Frenchman started for West Ham last night (Tuesday 8 February) in their Premier League match against Watford - with footage shared by journalist Hal Fish showing Zouma being booed by the crowd.
When Zouma went down injured during the match, Watford fans could also be heard chanting 'that's how your cat feels'.
Speaking about the decision to start Zouma in yesterday's match, manager David Moyes said: "He is one of our better players. But it is ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter."
In a previous statement, the RSPCA had described the video as 'very upsetting', adding: "It's never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.
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"We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare."
Topics: UK News
Jess Hardiman