Sydney - AFP
Rangers who shot a saltwater crocodile that was terrorising pets in northern Australia found a dog, a pair of shorts, a football and a nappy in its stomach, according to a local report. Police had recently notified authorities that a crocodile had eaten at least one dog and was lunging at others on a beach near the community of Galiwinku. The Northern Territory News said rangers who went to the area on Tuesday saw the 3.5 metre (11 feet 6 inches) crocodile grab a dog by the leg, so they shot the reptile. As well as finding the remains of a dog in its stomach, they discovered a variety of other items. \"While it might make a comical headline, it is disturbing to see the volume of rubbish in a wild animal,\" said the newspaper, which routinely runs crocodile stories on its front page. Saltwater crocodiles, which can grow up to seven metres long and weigh more than a tonne, are a common feature of Australia\'s tropical north and kill an average of two people a year.