Warning: This article contains content that some readers may find distressing

Sickening video has emerged of an off-duty police officer appearing to hurl rocks at a wombat on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, striking and eventually stopping the distressed, injured animal in its tracks.

UPDATE: Identity of off-duty cop in wombat-stoning video revealed as SA Police launches internal investigation

The video above, obtained by 7NEWS.com.au, has been edited from its original format due to the distressing nature of the images.

Police have launched an internal investigation into the incident.

”I can confirm that we're investigating it and it will be dealt with as a disciplinary matter," SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said.

"If there are any offences committed they'll also be investigated and dealt with as they would for any other person.”

The video was sent to a local rescue wombat group, Wombat Awareness Organisation, on Wednesday night.

The small wombat can be seen wobbling along the road as it is followed by two men in a car.

One man gets out the car and starts chasing the animal, turning to the camera and giving a "thumbs up".

“Get up close,” the man in the car can be heard saying.

Panicked and injured

Large rock in hand, the man on the road then hurls the stone at the wombat’s head.

Panicked and injured, the wombat tries to flee – but the man picks up another rock and runs after him.

Members of the public have urged authorities to take action. Credit: 7NEWS.com.au

“You’ve got him, you’ve got him, hit him, hit him,” the man in the car says. “Kill him.”

The second man then throws another rock at the wombat’s head, stopping it in its tracks.

Dazed and seriously injured, the wombat topples over.

“First man I’ve ever seen kill a wombat on foot, bro,” the man in the car says.

The dazed wombat eventually topples over. Credit: 7NEWS.com.au

Pleas for action

Brigitte Stevens, from Wombat Awareness Organisation, says the video was sent to her by members of the community pleading for action.

She says, according to the public, it’s a common practice in the area.

“I just have no words,” Stevens told 7NEWS.com.au.

According to some members of the public, the disturbing incident isn't an isolated one. Credit: 7NEWS.com.au

“I didn’t want to watch it.

Chevron Right Icon 'I often get sent things that never leave my mind, but nothing like this.'

"I often get sent things that never leave my mind, but nothing like this.”

Stevens says the wombat did not die straight away, but was left to suffer.

“I’m just devastated, knowing how sensitive and how kind these animals are.”

Wombats in the area are believed to often be the target of violence. Credit: 7NEWS.com.au

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Violent behaviour

Stevens says wombats are often the target of violent behaviour in the area.

Animals come into her care with severe head injuries, blindness and some having been shot in the face.

All species of wombat are protected, in every state except Victoria.

“They’re starving to death in their thousands, and they’ve got people doing this,” Stevens said.

“I just pray that he didn’t suffer too much.”