West Ham boss David Moyes is standing by Kurt Zouma after his pet cats were removed over an animal cruelty investigation.

Moyes described the French international, 27, as a "really good lad" and said the club is getting "absolute hell".

The Scot, who says West Ham have done a "very good job" handling the situation, spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of Sunday afternoon's trip to the King Power.

He said: "Yes he is available to play against Leicester.

"It's different views and different opinions, should he or not.

"We as a club took the decision to make him available and I stand by that.

"I don't think the club could have taken more action any quicker than what we have done.

"West Ham have done a very good job. We have fined him maximum wages."

Moyes continued: "We accept his actions were diabolical, but we have chosen to play him and stand by it.

"It is a terrible incident. We all totally agree. Nobody in this club doesn't agree with that.

"But with sponsorship being taken away, that's something the club will deal with, not me.

"We are going to get absolute hell. He's getting hell.

"We are so disappointed. It's out of character - we have never seen this from Kurt. He is a really good lad. Really surprised by it.

"He is getting help and we are trying to do as much as we can to help him."