Calls to help livestock

A WILDLIFE tour operator is urging animal welfare groups to rescue cattle stranded for days in floodwater at the Daintree.

Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruises owner-operator David White, who took this picture (above), said the cows had been isolated by the rising water for several days on an island about 2km upstream of the ferry.

“There’s nothing for them to eat,” he said.

“There are lots of people wanting to help. (I’m) not sure what they can do. (They will) need a boat and then to drag them across the river.”

Mr White said he contacted the RSPCA about the cows.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said RSPCA was unable to assist, but passed the message to the Department of Agriculture.

“We simply don’t have the resources to deal with large scale livestock rescues,” he said.

A Department of Agriculture and Fisheries spokesman said the best course of action is to call a local disaster management group, but ultimately farmers are responsible for their livestock.