In Australia’s Northern Territory, owning pet crocodiles is a real thing, unlike some of the other wild stories associated with the country.
Trevor Sullivan, who lives just south of Darwin, has 11 crocodiles in his backyard, including a 22-year-old croc named Big Jack.
But this quirky practice has become an election issue. The Labor Party wants to ban keeping crocodiles as pets, saying it’s unsafe for both people and the animals.
However, the opposition, the Country Liberal Party (CLP), supports the idea of keeping pet crocs and promises to review the ban if elected.
Although the main concerns in this election are the cost of living, housing, and crime, the crocodile ban has caught the attention of many. About 250,000 people live in the Northern Territory, but only around 100 have permits to keep crocodiles.
Even with strict rules, like moving crocs out of urban areas once they grow to a certain size, the government says it’s still risky.
While some animal rights groups applaud the ban, saying it’s better for the crocs, pet owners like Tom Hayes argue that these reptiles are well cared for in captivity.
He, along with others, believes the government didn’t properly consult with the public before making the decision.
As the election approaches, some voters, including Sullivan, hope the CLP will win and change the rules. However, others, like Hayes, believe that more significant issues should influence voters’ decisions. Regardless of who wins, many in the Territory feel that the ban threatens their unique way of life.
This story was reported by the BBC, shedding light on how pet crocodiles have become a surprising election topic in Australia’s Northern Territory.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rxyz1p830o