4.2-Meter Crocodile Shot Dead After Attacking a Man, Dog; Steve Irwin’s Father Calls for Investigation Over Animal Cruelty

A crocodile attacked a man and ate his dog in Far North Queensland. The Wildlife officers responded by killing the beast.

Crocodile Killed After Attacking a Man and His Dog

Alister MacPhee is already in stable condition and recovering at Cairns Hospital after the horrible encounter. A 4.2-meter-long crocodile attacked him at a Bloomfield boat ramp, 50 kilometers south of Cooktown Wednesday evening, ABC.net.au reported.

MacPhee declined to do interviews but released a statement through Cairns Hospital thanking emergency services and staff for looking after him. He also thanked his dog, Magic Molly, who was beside him when the incident happened.

He added that he had to learn the hard way that one has to be "croc-wise in croc territory."

The crocodile was killed the following day. Department of Environment and Science incident controller Michael Joyce said the crocodile responsible for the attack was found 200 meters from the boat ramp.

He explained that when crocodiles associate humans with a food source, it changes their behavior. He added that the need to shoot the beat was disappointing for all of them.

He said wildlife officers were extensively trained to ensure the reptile was euthanized as humanely as possible. Also, it was reportedly the simplest way to ensure that the crocodile they took out from the system was the same animal who attacked Molly.

Joyce said they found Molly's remains inside the crocodile during a necropsy on the crocodile.

Steve Irwin's Father Bob Wants to Investigate Croc's Death

Steve Irwin's dad, Bob Irwin, is among the conservationists who want to investigate the crocodile's death to ensure it did not involve animal cruelty.

Bob has worked with wildlife for over 50 years, and he admits that he is constantly upset about incidents involving crocodiles and humans because the former pays the ultimate price, according to ABC.net.au.

He said stronger deterrents are needed to keep people away from crocs and avoid attacks. He wants a stricter measure so that people will not expose themselves to the risk of crocodile attacks.

Bob noted that one could no longer go within 100 meters of a humpback whale in the ocean, feed dingoes on K'gari and swim in restricted areas at Babinda Boulders because these are considered offenses.

Meanwhile, Queensland's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said it had not received an official complaint about the Bloomfield incident and is not investigating the matter.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment and Science (DES) also said it had not received any reports of animal cruelty. The department added that if they receive any complaints, they will refer it to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Matt Cornish, a wildlife educator in Cairns and former Queensland Police officer, echoed Bob's concern. He also found the attack unusual because it was recorded.

He admitted that he found it extremely disappointing that it resulted in the death of the apex predator, which was probably 40 years old.

Cornish said he planned to write to the authorities to request an investigation.

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