Calls for crackdown on feeding crocodiles after NSW father’s remains found

There have been calls for harsher penalties following the tragic death of a NSW doctor, who was believed to have been taken by a crocodile.

There have been calls to increase fines for feeding crocodiles following the death of a NSW doctor.

David Hogbin was near a riverbank at the Annan River near Cooktown in Far North Queensland when he fell into the river on August 3.

The remains of the father of three were found in a 4.9m crocodile, which on Monday police confirmed they had tracked and euthanised.

While formal identification is still underway, police are confident the remains found belong to the missing man.

“Police are working with wildlife officers as investigations continue,” a statement from Queensland Police read.

Footage has emerged of people feeding crocodiles, believed to be at the Annan River, with calls to raise penalties for the act.

Dr David Hogbin (left) has been identified as the victim of a Queensland crocodile attack. He was on holiday with his wife, Jane (right), and children.

There are calls to lift the penalties to the same amount people are fined for feeding dingoes in K’gari, which was reported at $11,500 in 2022.

However current fines for feeding crocodiles sit at $6,452.

The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) managing North Queensland lawyer told Yahoo News more must be done to address people feeding crocodiles following the tragic death of Dr Hogbin.

“My heart breaks for (David Hogbin’s) family in NSW. This gentleman did nothing wrong,” she told Yahoo News.

“He came to Far North Queensland with his family to enjoy a wildlife experience. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“He became a victim of an awful crocodile interaction. It may have been mitigated had other people not flagrantly been feeding him and habituating him to that place.”

Claims have reportedly been made to Queensland’s Department of Environment (DESI) that the crocodile that allegedly killed Dr Hogbin had been fed for years, and DESI have said it’s considering updated regulations.

David Hogbin has been identified as the man taken by a 4.9m croc. Picture: Supplied

“The department is investigating potential changes to regulations to further deter people from activities that increase the risk of crocodile attack,” a spokesperson said.

More than $120,000 has been raised for Dr Hogbin’s family in a fundraiser.

The organiser, one of Dr Hogbin’s friends, wrote how a part of the riverbank had reportedly given way, leading Dr Hogbin to fall in the river.

His wife, Jane, tried to help him out, but began to fall in herself.

“Dave’s final, decisive act was to let go of Jane’s arm when he realised she was slipping in, an act that likely saved her life,” the fundraiser read.

“In a world-shattering instant, Dave was taken by the crocodile. One small consolation is that none of Dave’s children witnessed this event.

“Needless to say, Dave’s family and friends are completely broken.”