Warning: This article contains details that may disturb some people.
A South Australian police officer who was filmed stoning a wombat to death in a shocking video that went viral online, will keep his job and won't face charges.
The video, which emerged in October, showed a shirtless man stalking the helpless creature and repeatedly throwing stones at it, while another man following him in a car was heard yelling "kill him".
As the wombat struggled to get away, the cop kept throwing stones, with one causing a blow to its head.
The footage was initially posted on social media by the Wombat Awareness Organisation, who said they were "heartbroken".
An investigation into the incident revealed that because the police officer was Aboriginal, "the Senior Community Constable has an appropriate permit to hunt wombats for food", South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said in a statement.
"While distressing to many who viewed the video, it has been established the Senior Community Constable's actions were not inconsistent with traditional hunting practices."
The result of the investigation has sparked outrage on social media with many taking to Twitter to express their disgust.
"Disgusting lack of regard for animal welfare. Shame on you. Shame on him," one user said.
"Evil scum," another wrote.
