Police hunt for two men who stomped pelican to death in Melbourne

An investigation is underway after a pelican was stomped on and kicked by two men in a "completely senseless" broad daylight attack.

The bird suffered multiple breaks to its wings and ribs and had to be euthanised after the July 18 attack on a suburban St Albans street in Melbourne's northwest.

"This is unacceptable and we want to find the people who did this," Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Wildlife Officer Suriya Vij said on Monday.

"This completely senseless act of violence happened in broad daylight in a suburban street."

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Ms Vij said cruelty against defenceless animals is a disturbing behaviour that can escalate to other violence.

The wildlife rescuers who were called to treat the bird said it was so brutally beaten they thought it was already dead.

Anyone who may have witnessed the attack is urged to contact CrimeStoppers.