Aussie Man Fined $2,400 for Illegal Crocodile Pet

An Australian man has been fined $2,400 for illegally keeping a saltwater crocodile in his home. Queensland's Department of Environment and Science (DES) seized the juvenile crocodile following a tip-off from a member of the public. Senior Conservation Officer Daniel Guymer stated, "The man admitted that he had broken the law by taking the crocodile from the wild, and although he was remorseful, we take a zero-tolerance approach to the unlawful possession of wildlife." While permits exist in Northern Territory, keeping crocodiles is illegal in Queensland. Despite appearing healthy, the crocodile cannot be released back into the wild due to potential disease exposure. It will be placed in a farm, zoo, or educational facility. The maximum penalty for illegally keeping a saltwater crocodile in Queensland is over $36,000, but the man received a penalty infringement notice of $2,400.