CROC DECAPITATION: Investigation into Cow Bay killing runs cold

FRUITLESS INVESTIGATION

David Gardiner

Journalist

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Nearly a year on, an investigation into the decapitation of a large crocodile at Cow Bay has had no results. Pic: Tommy Hayes

An investigation into the killing and decapitation of a large crocodile at Cow Bay last April has all but faded out, with little or no progress since the disturbing find.

The discovery of the animal’s headless carcass on the beach at Cow Bay just a week short of 12 months ago - generated widespread anger and sadness amongst local residents, conservationists and the general public.

Newsport has made inquiries about the official investigation into the killing, which was first handled by the Department of Environment and Science – but then also involved officers from the Queensland Police Service’s Rural and Stock Crime Squad.

But for those anxious to find out who might be responsible for the crocodile’s death, there is every indication at this stage that the matter will remain a mystery for a long time to come, perhaps forever. 

A brief statement from QPS Media to Newsport said while police are still investigating the matter, “there hasn’t been much more progress,” it said. 

“The file is pending further information.”

‘Croc man’ Tommy Hayes reflects on “investigation”

In a chat with Newsport close to a year after the event, conservationist and keen crocodile photographer, Tommy Hayes, remains adamant that the so-called “investigation” by the DES was botched from the start, and apathetic at best.

Mr Hayes, who made a trip to inspect the Cow Bay croc’s body straight after hearing of its discovery – said once police also became involved, detectives had practically nothing to go on. 

“They (DES) apparently went there and said, ‘yes, it’s another crocodile’, and then it’s case closed,” Mr Hayes told us.

“It’s been passed onto these guys (police), and they can only work at the pace they can work at. It’s not their only case.”

He said the whole matter gives the public little confidence in the ability of the DES to properly investigate any similar incidents in future.

“The inaction of the DES from the very beginning and the literal just ‘shrugging it off’ as something natural – that put a huge pause on it,” he said.

“When it’s a federal crime, the killing of a native Australian animal – which is a federal crime – they just don’t seem to care.”

Mr Hayes – who has 10s of thousands of social media followers around the world as a result of his commentary and pictures of the Cow Bay croc killing – said he will be posting memorials and tributes on the one year anniversary.

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