Disturbing mobile footage has emerged of teenagers brutally bashing a kangaroo with a plank of wood and laughing as the helpless animal tries to protect itself.

Midland Police are investigating a horrific clip which is understood to have been filmed at Kalamunda’s Zig Zag trail earlier this week.

The footage, described by WA Police as “shocking, cowardly and cruel”, shows a teenager swinging several times at the kangaroo, taking turns to attack the animal with his mate.

At one point the kangaroo holds up its paw in a futile attempt to protect itself.

Camera Icon Police described the attack as sickening, cowardly and cruel. Credit: 7NEWS

7NEWS has been told the footage was recorded on Snapchat because, unlike Facebook and Instagram, the clip disappears once it has been viewed.

RSPCA chief inspector Amanda Swift has urged anyone who received the footage to dob the culprits in to authorities.

“It’s just the most abhorrent cruelty again to an iconic animal,” she said.

“I would ask...the people who know the people in the video and whoever has taken it and shared it to come forward and let us know who they are.”

Anyone who has information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.