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Temuka resident Nikita Taylor's pet possum, Poh, in 2017.

A video posted online of a Waimate man punching a possum in the face is "not pest control – that's animal cruelty", an Environment Canterbury spokesman says.

Biosecurity team leader Brent Glentworth was referring to a video posted on Facebook page The Country, which shows a man punching a possum perched on a fence post.

"ECan only approves effective toxins, humane traps or shooting in some cases. That video does not sit anywhere near our view of pest control. Absolutely not," Glentworth said. 

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Temuka resident Nikita Taylor's pet possum, Poh, in 2017.

The widely circulated video has created a lot of discussion on social media, particularly around Waimate, where the overall feeling is negative towards the possum puncher.

Temuka woman Nikita Taylor hand-reared a possum joey, Poh, after its mother was killed in a trap. 

She said Poh was an affectionate, fun pet and wanted to go everywhere with her. 

In January someone broke into Taylor's back yard in Temuka and forced Poh's enclosure open. 

When she got home, Poh was gone and has never been seen again. 

Seeing the "possum punch" video made her feel sick, Taylor said.

"It's disgusting and disappointing that people have been taught that we can treat possums cruelly. 'Pests' still deserve dignity," she said. 

The SPCA said in a statement it was disappointed to see such deliberate animal cruelty inflicted on a possum.

 "Punching a stunned possum in the face is not pest control. This matter has been referred to our inspectorate."

The SPCA's pest policy states that it is opposed to "the unjustified infliction of any avoidable suffering upon wild animals.  

"Where the taking or killing of wild animals is permitted, the SPCA believes that this should be strictly limited under licence and should only use the most humane methods possible."

At present the identity of the possum puncher is unknown.

 - Stuff