Dog escapes crocodile jaws at swimming spot
A PLUCKY kelpie that survived a crocodile attack at South Johnstone should serve as a warning to children who swim at the same spot, the dog's owner says.
A 2m croc tore chunks out of Leggy the kelpie cattle dog-cross, lunging at her and sinking its teeth into her side and belly when she ventured into the shallows at Sivyer bridge, near Innisfail on Tuesday afternoon.
Leggy's owner Charles Edgerton is amazed she survived.
"My dog gave a couple of big yelps, then there was a bit of a splash," he said.
"It all happened so quickly … she and my other dog Harper were still right near the edge."
Pictures: Croc attack survivor Leggy
He caught a glimpse of the croc's back and then his dog broke free, clambering back up the bank with two big rip marks in her side and a puncture wound in her belly.
A dejected Leggy emerged from Innisfail's Coral Coast vet clinic yesterday, alive but very much worse for wear with a long line of stitches across two gashes in her side and more stitches in her belly.
Mr Edgerton fears the same, or worse, could happen to a child.
His granddaughters saw two teenagers jumping off Sivyer bridge and swimming at the same spot on Monday and residents say children are regularly taking to the water, despite talk of two crocodiles living in the river at South Johnstone.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife rangers put up crocodile signs warning of a recent sighting at the bridge yesterday and police have urged parents to speak to their children.
Mr Edgerton said it was common knowledge there were crocs in the river, but locals were all too complacent about them.
He said his two dogs had run for the water during their walk, and he had watched them race into the shallows from the bridge.
"It's been a big shock … I'm from here and I've been back here eight months now and haven't seen one there but I'm a big believer now," he said.
"Leggy's been lucky … and we just want to get that message out because it could save a life."
More Cairns croc tales:
- Crocodile stops for Melbourne Cup
- Croc takes over backyard
- Croc taken into custody
- Rangers hunt Old Frankie
- Croc bites snorkeller
- Record croc catch
- Crocs dine on dogs
- Croc at fishing spot
- Croc eats another croc
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Warning to swimmers: South Johnstone retiree Charles Edgerton with his dog Harper where his other dog Leggy was attacked by a crocodile.
Mauled: The crocodile took big chunks out of Leggy.
Do not swim: Charles Edgerton put a warning sign up at the bridge.
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