Off-Duty Aussie Police Officer Caught Stoning Wombat To Death

An off-duty police officer has been caught on camera stoning a defenceless wombat to death in South Australia.

The shocking footage has sparked outrage amongst animal welfare groups and regular Australians, with many asking what the hell the man was doing.

In the video, you can see the shirtless killer throwing rocks at the wombat somewhere in the state's Eyre Peninsula. One rock isn't enough and despite the animal's attempts to run off, it eventually succumbs to it's injuries and dies.

Wombat Awareness Organisation

"You've got him, you've got him, hit him, hit him," the man in the car says. "Kill him. First man I've ever seen kill a wombat on foot, bro."

The video has been condemned by thousands of people, with many shocked that someone would carry out such an unprovoked attack.

Brigitte Stevens, from Wombat Awareness Organisation, has told 7News.com.au: "I just have no words. I didn't want to watch it. I often get sent things that never leave my mind, but nothing like this.

"I'm just devastated, knowing how sensitive and how kind these animals are."

South Australia Police has confirmed it has started an investigation into the matter.

A spokesperson for the force told the Daily Mail: "At this time SAPOL can confirm they are taking the situation very seriously and are closely examining the video.

Wombat Awareness Organisation

"An inquiry is being undertaken into this matter to first formally identify the man; and then take appropriate action as required."

In the meantime, Wombat Awareness Organisation has started a petition to get the law changed to make the penalties harsher for people who commit these types of crimes.

"[Killing a wombat] is allowed under the Native Title Act and accepted as traditional hunting however this contradicts Part 3 section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act," the petition reads.

"We are asking for all native animals to be protected under the Animal Welfare Act and for this perpetrator to be prosecuted."

No doubt there will be a considerable investigation into identifying the man involved.

Topics: Community, Animals, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie