Footage has emerged of the moment a police officer shot a kangaroo multiple times on a high school oval as people watched on in horror.
In the footage a South Australian Police officer is seen at the Stuart High School oval in Whyalla Stuart, South Australia, 82km south of Port Augusta on Wednesday as he draws his firearm.
A spokesman for South Australia Police told Daily Mail Australia the officer was called to the oval by school staff and wildlife rescue crews after the kangaroo was found with a severely broken front right leg.
The confronting footage shows the police officer shoot the kangaroo, which barely flinches, before he lines up and shoots the animal again.
By the third shot it looks as though the officer is shooting over the kangaroo but South Australia police confirmed the officer had to shoot the animal a number of times.
‘A number of attempts were made by the officer to destroy the kangaroo but each situation is different with some animals more resilient than others – even to bullets fired at close range,’ the spokesman said.
‘The kangaroo was destroyed by the officer. When any police officer uses their firearm a mandatory report must be submitted and the actions assessed. A final assessment has yet be completed on this incident.’
Footage has emerged of the moment a police officer was forced to shoot a kangaroo multiple times on a high school oval as people watched on and filmed
The video was shared to Facebook by Ganster Wannabe and has already been viewed 4,000 times.
The 90 second video prompted a number of social media users to comment on the incident with some outraged and others understanding to the situation.
‘Omg, the kangaroo was doing nothing wrong,’ one user wrote.
‘Would have done better with the butt of the gun another added.
A spokesman for South Australia Police said the officer was called to the oval by school staff and wildlife rescue crews after the kangaroo was found with a severely broken front right leg
Some people were hopeful the officer was only trying to frighten animal away from the public school.
The South Australia Police spokesman said the incident was one of the many responsibilities of the police force.
‘Police have the authority for the lawful destruction of birds or animals in circumstances where it is believed the bird or animal is in distress due to injury,’ the spokesman said.
‘In this situation this was the belief of the police officer after SAPOL were contacted by a wildlife rescue group that the kangaroo had a broken leg.’
The video ends before the kangaroo is killed.
The officer was called to the Stuart High School (pictured) by school staff and animal rescue crews after the injured animal was discovered