Mount Isa Water Board was informed that afternoon about the body of the crocodile at Moondarra Junction. 

MIWB CEO Stephen Farrelly said this was a disgraceful, senseless act of animal cruelty.

“Mount Isa Water Board absolutely condemns this sort of behaviour and I am sure the local community would agree,” Mr Farrelly said.

Crocodiles are a protected species under Nature Conservation Act.

MIWB has been liaising with the Queensland Police Service about an investigation into the incident.

Senior Sergeant Detective David Barron said Detectives from the Mount Isa District Criminal Investigation Branch are working with Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment and Science to investigate circumstances around the unlawful killing of the freshwater crocodile.

“It is of concern to all that someone is prepared to slaughter animals in this area,” Senior Sergeant Detective Barron said.

“Forensic evidence has been recovered from the scene and inquiries are ongoing.

“Multiple offences have been committed in this instance against that legislation – freshwater crocodiles do not pose any threat to people who use the lake.”

Detectives would like to speak with anyone able to provide information in relation to this incident, particularly those individuals who have specific knowledge of the killing.