NT Government revokes pet permit bans for crocodiles

Having a croc to call your own will once again be an option for Territorians, after the former government announced plans to revoke pet permit bans.

A ban on having pet crocodiles will be revoked as a “Christmas present” for Territorians.

Policy changes put forward by the former Labor government’s crocodile management plan in April left Territorians unable to apply for permits to keep crocs as pets.

The decision was met with frustration by Territory crocodile lovers, and in September, a petition was put forward to revoke permit bans on crocodiles under a specific size.

On Monday, Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby announced the “exciting” news that crocodile pet permits were making a return.

Ms Boothby said the option of having a pet crocodile was part of the Territory’s lifestyle, and was glad to announce the return of the permits.

Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby, Deputy Minister for Parks and Wildlife Andrew Mackay, announce the return of pet permits with Ian Hunt and David Jacobson fro Parks and Wildlife. Picture: Sam Lowe

“Back in April, the former Labor government scrapped crocodile permits without any consultation in the community which of course caused an outcry from crocodile enthusiasts and Territorians who enjoy our unique lifestyle,” she said.

“In April, when Labor scrapped the fact that you could have a pet crocodile, it meant that crocodile owners were wondering why on Earth they were having this change when it didn’t really have any negative impact for them to have a crocodile.

“After speaking with many groups and lots of people in the community over the whole period since April, I feel quite confident that Territorians will accept this change and be really happy about it.

“I think it’s a great Christmas present for Territorians.”

Before Territorians can call a croc their own, the revived permit policy must go through official channels and be approved by the Administrator, Ms Boothby said.

The process would be done as soon as possible, she said.

Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby with Burtie the juvenile crocodile. Picture: Sam Lowe

“Having a pet crocodile is one of those unique Territory lifestyle things that happen up here,” she said.

“We know the Territorians that own pet crocodiles, they’re responsible pet owners, we haven’t seen any issues over the many years they were able to have pet permits.

“But we will be looking at ensuring that the pet permit management is well thought out and looked at to ensure good animal welfare, and the pet owners have the right cages and other infrastructure for their properties when they’re having crocodiles as pets.”

While details about what is included in the permits are still yet to be determined, Ms Boothby said there was opportunity for anyone in the Territory to have a pet croc.

“Anyone can apply to have a pet as a crocodile, and of course the criteria around that varies from what sort of crocodile, what size it is, and … [we] will be going through that criteria with people to make sure there’s good animal welfare and good responsibility.”