Dogs hunted by large Cape York croc in need of rescue

A litter of puppies need saving from a Queensland crocodile who has developed a taste for dogs after devouring three animals in a week.

A campaign has kicked off to save a litter of puppies from a Cape York “hunting ground” where a large crocodile has developed a taste for dogs after devouring three animals in a week.

About four weeks ago a stray dog gave birth to the litter of five puppies in the Northern Peninsula area.

Holiday-makers in the area were feeding the dogs while enjoying the destination north of the Jardine River but other stray dogs were harassing the puppies and fighting during the night.

The tourists, who couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the dogs to fend for themselves, found a local resident who offered to house the animals at an old fishing hut at Alau Beach.

However, a resident 5m croc blamed for eating three dogs recently has come to associate the stretch of beach with an easy meal and the area is not safe, according to Remote Animal Assistance.

Remote Animal Assistance has reached out to help rehome stray puppies who are not well and have been stalked by a large crocodile. Picture: Remote Animal Assistance

The not-for-profit’s founder, Jess Leeming, said the puppies’ mother had already come within a whisker of losing her life.

“The kind local man rescued the mum of this litter from the jaws of a crocodile in the early hours of Monday morning,” she said.

“Two other dogs were taken on Monday, one at 3am and one at 10am and a third dog was taken last week, all by the same croc who’s come to learn that the dogs frequent this area.”

Remote Animal Assistance is now raising funds to help secure a flight to Cairns for urgent vet treatment, with the ultimate goal of finding foster families to give the mother and pups a second chance at life.

A photo of the croc thought responsible for the death of three dogs recently.

“These dogs have been battling harsh conditions, surviving on scraps,” Ms Leeming said.

“One pup constantly shakes and another has an eye issue. Both conditions are yet to be treated due to no access to vet care and the remoteness of their location.

“They’re not safe where they are.”

Crocs snatching dogs from Cape York beaches is not uncommon and in 2023 a video emerged of a huge croc eating a dog at a beach near Weipa.

Tracks of a large croc on the beach near where the dogs were sheltering. Picture: Remote Animal Assistance

The mother of four puppies that needs help to be rehomed in Cairns. Picture: Remote Animal Assistance

To bring the family to safety in Cairns, Remote Animal Assistance must raise $3400 to cover flights, parasite treatments, food and two rounds of vaccinations required for the puppies and their mother as well as securing them a safe home with a foster carer.

“Our biggest hurdle at the moment is finding foster carers to care for these dogs until they’re adopted,” Ms Leeming said.

To donate visit the Remote Animal Assistance fundraising page or email [e-mail] if you can foster a dog in need.

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Originally published as Dogs hunted by large Cape York croc in need of rescue