Dog Survives Crocodile Attack at Lake Argyle in Western Australia

A six-year-old kelpie named Milli survived a freshwater crocodile attack at Lake Argyle in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The dog was dragged underwater by the reptile but was rescued by her owner and a witness during the Easter long weekend.

The incident occurred on April 8, 2026, near a boat ramp at Lake Argyle, which is located approximately 70 kilometres south of Kununurra. Milli was with her owner, Andrew Morton, his partner, and a group of friends who were swimming and fishing at the lake.

The Rescue Operation

Witness Hamish McAlpine described the moment the freshwater crocodile attacked the dog, stating that he saw Milli get dragged into the water and yelp before being pulled away from the bank.

I grabbed her [Milli] and I could actually feel the crocodile against my leg trying to pull her down, it was like AFL players wrestling over a ball.

Hamish McAlpine

Mr. McAlpine reported that he was concerned about the struggle, which he described as a tug-of-war with the crocodile, because he did not want the dog to be further injured. Andrew Morton rushed to the scene to assist in pulling Milli from the water, after which the crocodile left the area.

Injuries and Recovery

Milli sustained minor injuries during the encounter, specifically puncture wounds to her leg where the crocodile had latched onto her. Following the attack, she was treated by a veterinarian in Broome.

Reports indicate that Milli is currently recovering. However, her owners have noted some difficulty in preventing the high-energy kelpie from engaging in her usual activities during the healing process.

Context of Lake Argyle

Lake Argyle is known to be home to approximately 35,000 freshwater crocodiles. While these crocodiles are generally considered less aggressive than their saltwater counterparts, they are capable of attacking.