Keeping crocs as pets becomes contested issue days out from NT election

Whether crocodiles should be kept as pets is shaping up as a major dispute between the Northern Territory Labor and Country Liberal Party days out from the state election.

Under the new 10-year crocodile management plan, the state government will no longer allow residents to apply for permits to own saltwater crocs following broad consultation.

Those with pre-existing permits will be allowed to continue as long as their enclosure and size of the croc fits guidelines.

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Just two days away from the state election, the Country Liberals have pledged to review the ban if they are voted in.

"Labor's changes to crocodile management were rushed in under the cover of darkness," Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said.

"If elected the CLP would review the proposed changes in consultation with the community."

The law states residents are unable to take or interfere with crocs without a permit, which were previously able to be obtained online.

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The latest crocodile management plan, which is monitored and updated annually, has noticed a steady increase in the number of non-fatal croc attacks over time, which was attributed to increasing populations.

The matter will be decided when Finocchiaro takes on Chief Minister Eva Lawler for the top job on Saturday.

Both women will hear their fate that same night, after voters take to the ballot boxes.

Early voting is currently open.