Croc snaps up Derby dog in lightning-fast attack

A pet dog was snatched by a crocodile just 20 metres from where its owners were sitting at a picnic spot in the state's north-west, police say.

The family of four were on a Sunday outing to Meda Crossing, on the May River, north of Derby, when the crocodile struck at lightning speed and took their labrador, Senior Sergeant Mike Wells said.

"There's a pool of water downstream from this crossing and this family from Derby have gone out there, with their pet dog," Snr Sgt Wells said.

"The dog was there with them, near the edge of the pool, and this croc, it would appear to have been about 3.5 metres, came out at lightning attack speed and has gone straight for the dog.

"It happened very quickly."

The father saw the attack as the family sat about 20m away, Snr Sgt Wells said.

"Certainly the father saw it all," he said.

Derby residents often travelled to scenic areas outside the town, including Meda Crossing, because the town was bound by tidal mudflats, Snr Sgt Wells said.

"It is a very nice part of the world to go for a picnic," he said.

Snr Sgt Wells said if there was a positive to the crocodile attack it was to remind people of the danger.

"It's possibly a case where people can become complacent," he said.

He said signs warning visitors and tourists are a constant reminder of the dangers of crocodiles in the area.

The Department of Environment and Conservation is searching for the crocodile.