RSPCA Queensland investigating video showing kangaroo impaled by branch

A distressing video showing a man laughing as a kangaroo lies on the ground impaled with a large branch is under investigation. WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGES

A still image of the video taken of a kangaroo impaled by a large branch. Picture: Supplied

An investigation has been launched into a graphic video showing a Queensland man laughing at a kangaroo that has been impaled by a large branch.

RSPCA Queensland confirmed that it was investigating the distressing footage, which shows a kangaroo lying on the ground with a branch through its head.

In the 10-second footage, a man standing out of frame can be heard saying “f--k’ then laughing at the dead animal.

The Courier Mail understands the incident was also sent to NSW Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson after a person saw the video on a Queensland commercial shooting Facebook page.

The footage was shared in a closed Queensland-based Facebook group. Picture: Supplied

Mr Pearson said it was unknown if the head injury was caused before or after the animal’s death – but the nature of the footage suggested it had been done intentionally.

“I have been made aware of a video circulating on social media of a catastrophically injured kangaroo, impaled by what appears to be a large branch to the head,” Mr Pearson said in a statement.

“It is not clear how the kangaroo died, or whether the head injury occurred before, during, or after death.

“By virtue of the fact the person who took the video is laughing, I am concerned this incident was intentional, and therefore an act of cruelty.”

Mr Pearson said the video was a “horrifying demonstration of the complete lack of respect and empathy that a small minority of Australians have for our beloved national icon”.

“I know the majority of Australians condemn this horrific cruelty and would want justice for this kangaroo,” he said.

Mr Pearson is deputy chair of a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the health and wellbeing of kangaroos and other macropods, which will table its final report later this month.

RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact them.

“RSPCA Qld shares the community’s concern in relation to the distressing content of a kangaroo posted in the past few days,” Ms Lagoon said.

“We can confirm that the matter was reported to our inspectorate team on 30 September 2021 and is currently under investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact RSPCA Qld on 1300 ANIMAL or by emailing: [e-mail].