THANKS to a man’s undying love for his pet dog, near-tragedy was averted late last night on Four Mile Beach about 500m from Sea Temple Resort when a nine-year-old female Staffordshire bull terrier was mauled by a 2.5m crocodile.

Because of owner Craig Brown’s incredible courage and adoration for his dog, the animal survived the attack. The dog, Jedda, underwent emergency surgery this morning to repair lacerations and deep cuts to parts of its body, while Brown received cuts to his fingers and a bruised hand from his fearless and courageous actions.

“After hearing some flapping at the water’s edge, I suddenly realised that a crocodile had got hold of Jedda. Knowing that crocs release their prey when their tails are raised, I picked up the crocodile and lifted it as high as I could and the dog was finally freed and the predator swam away,” said a relieved and still shocked Brown.

“I guess I was more concerned about the dog’s life than my own. I devoted every ounce of my energy and strength to save Jedda. I had this incredible adrenalin rush and all I was interested in was saving my dog’s life,” said Brown.

Brown also received some help from a number of local residents who were on the beach at the time of the attack. They were able to provide liquid painkillers (for dogs) which assisted until Brown could take the dog to the vet first-thing this morning.

Unable to sleep around 11pm last night, Brown decided to walk along the beach and took along the dogs. This is when the incident occurred.

Brown’s other dog Rosie, a cattle dog, intervened during the scuffle and challenged the crocodile to free Jedda. Fortunately she was not injured.

Despite this, Brown is still encouraging dog owners to take their pets to the beach.

“This is their natural habitat and I do not believe in culling the crocodiles. If they are becoming a problem, they should be moved on, but not culled,” he said.

Jedda is now back home and nursing her wounds.

If you wish to assist Brown pay his significant vet bill go to www.gofundme.com/our-baby-jedda

What do you think of this courageous effort? Let us know in the comments below!

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