Crocodile dies after shot with metal arrow and stabbed

A crocodile found in Queensland with a metal arrow lodged in its spine and stab marks to its neck has been euthanised.

The 3.5-metre crocodile was pulled from the Johnstone River at Innisfail, south of Cairns, following public concerns last week.

Authorities were able to remove some of the exposed part of the steel arrow, but some of its barbed shaft remained embedded against the animal's spine.

Injuries were also found on the crocodile's neck and throat which indicated it had been stabbed multiple times with a sharp object.

The arrow is also likely to have caused extensive internal injuries and the animal appeared in great discomfort, the department of environment said in a statement.

The animal was euthanised on Tuesday.

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The department is appealing for information about how the animal sustained the injuries.

It is an offence to harm or kill an estuarine crocodile with a maximum penalty of $30,026.

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