A South Australian police officer filmed stoning a wombat to death will not be charged over the incident, with an inquiry finding his treatment of the animal was "not inconsistent with traditional Indigenous practices".

In footage which circulated in October, Senior Community Constable Waylon Johncock appeared to hurl stones at the wombat.

UPDATE: 'It's inhumane': Animal rights organisations call for overhaul as wombat-stoning cop avoids charge

The incident - which occurred at Gawler Ranges, east of Ceduna - sparked widespread outrage.

Following an internal investigation and advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said on Friday Johncock would not be charged over the incident.

And Johncock will remain on duty in his current role as a community constable.

"The investigators have ascertained that as a traditional Aboriginal man, the Senior Community Constable has an appropriate permit to hunt wombats for food," Stevens said.

"Whilst distressing to many who viewed the video, it has been established the Senior Community Constable’s actions were not inconsistent with traditional hunting practices."

Unprecedented comments

Stevens said the footage, within a very short period of time, had been seen by many people across Australia and overseas.

"It garnered a large number of responses across many social media platforms and internet websites," Stevens said.

"South Australia Police received an unprecedented number of telephone calls, emails and social media comments demanding a response to this issue.

"The video is confronting for many people, I found it confronting. I stand by my reaction to the treatment of the wombat.

"I still find some of the content of the video disturbing – I take personal displeasure in seeing any animal distressed, or being killed as the wombat was killed.

Senior Community Constable Waylon Johncock. Credit: 7NEWS

"I know many shared in my shock and dismay. I gave a public undertaking there would be a robust and thorough investigation, and that I would provide advice regarding the outcome of that investigation.

"As a result, a criminal investigation ran in parallel to an internal disciplinary investigation into the actions of the Senior Community Constable as portrayed in the video.

"I asked investigators to bring together all available information to assess if criminal charges should be laid."

Waylon Johncock was filmed hurling rocks at a wombat. Credit: 7NEWS

Stevens said investigators found Johncock, as a traditional Aboriginal man, had an appropriate permit to hunt wombats for food and his actions were not inconsistent with traditional practices.

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Stevens says he was advised the wombat in the video was killed and eaten, and that the footage first exposed by 7NEWS was part of a longer video that has not been released.

"It is clear from the outpouring of emotions that some may question the outcome of this investigation.

"I can reassure everyone that the most thorough of investigations has been undertaken in this matter."

Johncock will remain on duty in his current role.

"I ask people to show respect for the process undertaken and accept my assurances it has been a robust investigation. I ask they show respect for those involved in the incident," Stevens said.

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