Kurt Zouma’s cats seized by RSPCA and West Ham fine defender £250k for sickening abuse, while Adidas ditch defender and club sponsor suspends support

The RSPCA have announced Kurt Zouma's two cats have been taken into their care, while West Ham have hit the footballer with a hefty fine.

One of the Hammers' sponsors has also announced they are suspending their support, citing their 'disappointment with the club's judgement' in response and handling of the situation.

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Meanwhile, Adidas have also ended their boot deal with Zouma.

The Frenchman has been widely condemned after footage was posted on social media of him dropping, kicking and slapping the his pet on Monday evening.

The RSCPA subsequently rebuked the 'very upsetting' video after it surfaced online and will be leading the investigation and co-operating with Essex Police.

Despite the widespread criticism, though, David Moyes controversially selected the 27-year-old for West Ham's clash against Watford on Tuesday.

More than 140,000 people - and counting - have signed an online petition calling for Zouma to be prosecuted amid a growing public backlash.

And the RSCPA announced on Wednesday afternoon that Zouma's two cats have been taken into care and that their investigation into the matter is ongoing.

"The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats," an RSPCA spokesperson said.

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"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."

Meanwhile, West Ham have confirmed Zouma will be fined the 'maximum amount possible' over the disturbing video.

It's believed the fine is in the region of £250,000, around two weeks' wages, with the money being donated to animal charities.

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A statement from the club, in which they said Zouma is 'extremely remorseful' for his actions, read: "West Ham United can confirm that the club is supporting an RSPCA investigation into the actions of Kurt Zouma in the video circulated online this week.

"Kurt and the club are co-operating fully with the investigation and the player has willingly complied with the steps taken in the initial stage of the process, including delivering his family's two cats to the RSPCA 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.

"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.

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"The player has immediately accepted the fine, which will be donated to animal welfare charities.

"West Ham United would like to reiterate our condemnation of Kurt's actions and make it clear that the matter continues to be handled with the utmost seriousness.

"However, we believe it is now important to allow the RSPCA to conduct their investigation in a fair and thorough manner, and will be making no further comment at this stage."

Vitality insurance firm later confirmed their had pulled their sponsorship of West Ham over the incident and the club's handling of the aftermath.

A statement, in response to respected wildlife expert and presenter Chris Packham, read: "We were very distressed by the video we have seen of Kurt Zouma. At Vitality we condemn animal cruelty and violence of any kind.

"We are hugely disappointed by the judgement subsequently shown by the club in response to this incident.

"As such we are suspending our sponsorship of West Ham United with immediate effect.

"We will now be further engaging with the club to further understand why actions they will be taking to address the situation."

Adidas, meanwhile, announced on Wednesday afternoon that they had conducted their own investigation and decided to pull their deal with the player.

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Zouma will no long receive a lucrative sum to wear the company's football boots.

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