Cairns dog attacked by croc in Kamerunga, family devastated
A Cairns family is in shock after a beloved family dog was attacked and dragged into the river at a popular fishing spot and the animal was later removed by croc contractors.
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A Cairns woman is devastated after one of her beloved dogs was attacked and eaten by a large crocodile while on a walk in a popular park around noon on Wednesday.
Alia Baxter was horrified when her 45kg labrador Indie was snatched off the bank by a crocodile by the lower Kamerunga Foot Bridge on the Baron River in Kamerunga, around a metre from the water’s edge.
On social media Ms Baxter said her family was distraught by the loss of a cherished pet.
“We are obviously traumatised,” she said.
“She (Indie) was bigger than most kids that hang our near the bridge every single day … will a kid be next?
“But (we are) thankful it wasn’t our child who has stood in the exact same spot so many times before.
“There is a crocodile trap less than 300 metres away from this spot which is obviously useless. RIP my beautiful girl.”
A Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokesman said they confirmed that its crocodile contractors captured a 2.4m crocodile on Wednesday afternoon in a trap placed at Kamerunga near where a dog was reportedly taken.
The spokesman said people were advised to stay away from the area to maximise the possibility of any crocodiles present in the river being observed.
“The crocodile will be rehomed in a farm or zoo,” he said.
”To further investigate the incident, the contractors will also conduct spotlight searchers of the Barron River in the Kamerunga area tonight.”
Ms Baxter’s father Alan Benn said his daughter was walking her dogs along the commonly-used council bikeway when Indie was taken.
Mr Benn said he used the area regularly and expressed great fear for the upcoming
summer holidays.
“It’s just a matter of time before a real tragedy occurs and a young child goes missing,” he said.
“Locals have all seen this crocodile swimming up and down the lake heaps of time in the past.”
Mr Benn said he was concerned as the area is known to attract lots of keen fishers and family groups.
“This is a spot that the council regularly promotes as a fishing hot spot,” he said.
“Both the Cairns council and the Department of Environment in Innisfail have been alerted of the incident.
“Our family have also made a sign alerting people to be careful on or near the waters edge.
“The problem was that the dog was not in the water, nor was he drinking from the water.
“We were walking past at the same distance people would stand from the water’s edge.”
Councillor Kristy Vallely said as a Kamerunga resident she was very concerned about the horrific attack.
“Being a mum and a local resident I am scared and don't let my children go near the water at that location,” she said.
“All the locals are aware of a huge crocodile there.”
A Cairns Regional Council spokeswoman said they were aware of the attack.
“Council understands an incident involving a crocodile and a dog has been reported in Kamerunga, ”she said.
“We understand the State Government Department of Environment and Science is investigating the matter.
“We encourage residents to be croc-wise and to contact the Department if they have any information that can assist them.”
Report all croc sightings to DES via the QWildlife app or by calling 1300 130 372.
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Originally published as Cairns dog attacked by croc in Kamerunga, family devastated
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