Western Australia police investigate 'sickening' kangaroo killings Published duration 26 September 2018

image caption The two videos of the attacks on kangaroos were shot in May and June

Western Australia police are investigating footage of two kangaroos being "tortured and killed".

The animals were reportedly stabbed and punched with knuckledusters in two attacks filmed in May and June.

Local media say police refuse to release the footage, deeming it too graphic.

Authorities released images of three men on Wednesday wanted in connection with the case. A fourth man has already been identified.

Local newspaper The Western Australian reports he is helping the police with the investigation, and has not been charged.

The paper quotes detectives working on the case as saying it was "one of the most horrific and sickening instances of animal cruelty they had ever seen".

The videos were filmed on mobile phones on 19 May and 16 June.

The second reportedly shows one of the men repeatedly stabbing another kangaroo as it tries to escape, as the others yell encouragement.

The men then reportedly spat on the dead kangaroos after their deaths.

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The men are pictured grinning and wearing knuckledusters in the release.

Police are appealing for information on the three men's identities, or on the incidents of animal cruelty themselves.