Estuarine crocodiles, better known as saltwater crocs or salties, are common in Australia's tropical Northern Territory. Rangers who recently shot a croc that had been terrorising pets found a dog, a football and a pair of shorts in its stomach.

Rangers who shot a saltwater crocodile that was terrorising pets in northern Australia found a dog, a pair of shorts, a football and a nappy in its stomach, according to a local report.

Police had recently notified authorities that a crocodile had eaten at least one dog and was lunging at others on a beach near the community of Galiwinku.

The Northern Territory News said rangers who went to the area on Tuesday saw the 3.5 metre (11 feet 6 inches) crocodile grab a dog by the leg, so they shot the reptile.

As well as finding the remains of a dog in its stomach, they discovered a variety of other items.

"While it might make a comical headline, it is disturbing to see the volume of rubbish in a wild animal," said the newspaper, which routinely runs crocodile stories on its front page.

Saltwater crocodiles, which can grow up to seven metres long and weigh more than a tonne, are a common feature of Australia's tropical north and kill an average of two people a year.

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(c) 2012 AFP