Crocodile attacks dog on Darwin beach, owner urges caution

A crocodile has attacked a dog on a Darwin beach, prompting parks and wildlife rangers to issue a fresh warning to Top End families and their pets.

After a night at the vet, Teddy — a three-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — has survived the ordeal, but locals were urged not to be complacent near the water's edge.

Teddy's owner, Saphirah Gilboy, said her four-legged friend was playing in the shallow waters at Lee Point beach in Darwin on Tuesday when he was attacked by the crocodile.

Ms Gilboy said she jumped in after Teddy when she saw the crocodile grab the dog and throw him back into the water.

"The first thing I saw was a tail, and then the head sort of came out of the water, and it's thrown him," Ms Gilboy said.

"I've just gone straight in, no thought about anything, just straight away.

Ms Gilboy also had help from a passer-by, who happened to be a vet nurse.

"A miracle happened. I am so grateful for that lady, and she's helped, told me he's stable, called the vets to see which one I can go to."

NT Parks and Wildlife director of wildlife operations Sam Hyson said there was an active crocodile management program in Darwin Harbour.

Despite this, he said saltwater crocodiles move in and out of the region and were often spotted on the city's beaches.

"So this crocodile was around two metres — it attacked this dog, and they were fortunate enough to get the dog back alive," he said.

"Two-metre crocodiles do pose a threat to people, particularly kids."

Ms Gilboy said that while Teddy was left with bite marks on his face and throat, the little dog had started wagging his tail again.

The pet owner said the incident left both her and her dog shaken.

"I don't actually think I'm going to come back to the beach here because it's really given me a fright," Ms Gilboy said.

"I just cannot comprehend losing my dogs and knowing that it is so dangerous.

Mr Hyson said no Top End waterway should be considered safe, and people should keep themselves, and their dogs and children, at least five metres from the water's edge.

"Being croc-wise isn't just for people; you've got a responsibility for your pets too, so just think about that when you're around Top End waterways."