Murray River WIRES branch spokeswoman Hazel Cook said the footage was "really hard to watch".

"He was quite enjoying himself in the video and that poor kangaroo had no chance because I believe he had a broken leg - he was defenceless," she told The Border Mail.

"We can understand people getting cranky but the human race should be the more intelligent of the species in this case."

Ms Cook said the timing of the video being made public, is what "really hit home for a lot of people".

"Australian wildlife are in the spotlight after all the devastating bushfires," she said.

"It is very emotionally strong at the moment which is why I think there was such an outpouring of disgust towards the video online.

"He is a silly young man and I am glad the police have charged him."

EARLIER: Police have charged a Holbrook man after an alleged act of animal cruelty to a kangaroo captured on video.

On Wednesday police learned of a social media video circulating, allegedly showing a man punching an injured kangaroo, while those filming cheered and laughed.

The kangaroo later died.

Police said it's believed the incident took place in the Woomargama National Park south of Holbrook in late January 2019.

IN OTHER NEWS:

About 4pm Wednesday, an 18-year-old man contacted police in relation to the video.

He was arrested at his home on Croft Street, Holbrook and taken to Holbrook Police Station.

He was charged with commit an act of cruelty upon an animal and harm or attempt to harm a protected animal.

He was granted bail to appear at Holbrook Local Court on March 12.

Investigations continue, and a further person is expected to be charged.