'Killer crocodile' must be put down - JSPCA

The Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) is calling on the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) to act quickly to neutralise the threat being posed by the crocodile which allegedly killed a man on Sunday morning . "If it's caught, it must be put down," Pamela Lawson, managing director of the JSPCA, told Loop Jamaica reporter Claude Mills. "The crocodile is protected but if NEPA catches it, it must be put down because it's a rule of thumb, I'm afraid, that once an animal causes grave injury to a human, it is always put down once you can establish that it's the right animal, so NEPA needs to act quickly."
NEPA has yet to respond to emailed queries directed to the government agency by the Loop news room up to the time of the publication of this article. The agency repeatedly warns members of the public to desist from capturing or harming crocodiles, which is one of Jamaica’s protected species. The reptile is typically docile but can be aggressive when harassed. Crocodiles are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act and it is an offence to have a crocodile or any part of the animal in one’s possession. Anyone found guilty of these offences are liable to a fine of up to $100,000 or twelve (12) months imprisonment. Members of the public are urged to call NEPA at 1-888-991-5005 or 754-7540 if crocodiles are seen in areas outside of their natural habitat where they may pose a threat to human activities or if they are being captured, harassed, harmed or the meat is being sold. Reports may also be made to 119 or the nearest police station.