The RSPCA has launched an Australia wide search for a youth who was video taped beating a kangaroo as his friend looks on laughing.

The video was sent to the RSPCA in WA and shows the youth using kickboxing style attacks on the kangaroo.

In one scene the man pulls the kangaroo towards him and uses his knee to deliver a blow to the animal's chest.

The final punch knocks the kangaroo to the ground where it appears to lie unconscious.

The RSPCA says it is unclear whether the attack resulted in the death of the animal.

A spokesman for the RSPCA, Richard Barry, says the organisation has launched a nationwide appeal to catch the men responsible for the footage.

"We are appealing to every media outlet in Australia to help us track down the cowards behind the vicious attack on this kangaroo," he said.

"Thankfully this sickening footage has now been removed from the website where it was first seen. The next stage is to ensure that those responsible for this film are brought to justice.

"Only a coward would attack an injured and obviously terrified young animal much smaller than himself. We want these cowards to be caught, charged and prosecuted.

"We are appealing to every media outlet in Australia to help us track down the culprits and we have also posted a photo of the youth at www.rspcawa.asn.au," he added.

The RSPCA also welcomes the support of the Western Australia Police in finding the perpetrators of this senseless attack.

Anyone with information is asked to call their local RSPCA.