Are rabbits legal in QLD?

You cannot keep a rabbit as a pet in Queensland. However, you can obtain a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for the purposes of exhibiting to the public. Under the Exhibited Animals Act 2015 (EAA) rabbits are category B species and may be exhibited for purposes such as educational exhibits or for entertainment.

Why are pet rabbits illegal in Queensland?

Why are pet rabbits illegal in Queensland? Rabbits are Australia's most destructive agricultural and environmental introduced animal pest, costing up to $1 billion annually. They cause severe land degradation and soil erosion and threaten the survival of many rare and endangered native species.

What's the fine for having a rabbit in Qld?

Anyone found illegally keeping rabbits can be issued with an on-the-spot fine of $2,200. The maximum penalty for keeping rabbits in Queensland is $44,000.

Is owning a rabbit illegal in Australia?

The wild rabbit is now considered to be a pest in Australia and in states such as Queensland, keeping a rabbit as a domestic pet is illegal (although rabbits may be kept as pets in New South Wales and Victoria).

Can you own a rabbit in Brisbane?

It is illegal to keep a rabbit as a pet in Brisbane, rabbits kept for approved purposes such as public entertainment or university research must have an approved permit from Biosecurity Queensland.

Let's chat about Rabbits in Queensland Australia

What pets are illegal in Qld?

When did rabbits become illegal in Qld?

Keeping rabbits, selling rabbits, releasing rabbits and introducing rabbits are offences under the Land Protection (Pest & Stock Route Management) Act 2002 with maximum penalties of $44,000 and six months' imprisonment.

What states are rabbits illegal in Australia?

Every state has put practices in place to curb the rabbit pest problem, however there's only one state that won't allow rabbits to be kept as pets altogether... Rabbits are most definitely NOT allowed as pets in QLD - they are the only state that totally outlaws the keeping of rabbits as pets.

Can I keep a rabbit as a pet?

Rabbits are amazing, affectionate, and social pets. They can be great house pets if you take the time to socialize them and learn about their basic body language. However, rabbits require a lot more care than people typically expect, so it's important to be prepared before bringing home a new bunny.

Are ferrets legal in QLD?

Up to 150,000 ferrets are kept as pets in Australia. However, ferrets are prohibited as pets in Queensland and the Northern Territory. You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.

How much do rabbits cost in Australia?

Domestic rabbits typically cost between $20 and $80 to buy in Australia. Some exotic or show breeds may cost more. Typically, it is cheaper to adopt a rabbit rather than purchase from a breeder. However, you will still need to pay a fee which covers the cost of their medical checks and vet fees.

How long does a rabbit live?

Rabbits, just like other domesticated animals, have an average lifespan which can help an owner keep their bunny in optimum health in every stage of life. Unlike their wild relatives, who live for an average of one to two years, domesticated rabbits can live between eight to 12 years.

Why are there no rabbits in Australia?

In 1950, following research conducted by Frank Fenner, myxoma virus was deliberately released into the rabbit population, causing it to drop from an estimated 600 million to around 100 million. Growing genetic resistance in the remaining rabbits had allowed the population to recover to 200–300 million by 1991.

Why are ferrets illegal in Qld?

The State Government says the animals, which are related to polecats, skunks and otters, are a biosecurity risk as they are carriers of bovine tuberculosis and are of vicious nature when in the wild.

Are hamsters illegal in Australia?

All introduced mammal species are prohibited as pets unless listed as exceptions. A sample of these prohibited mammals include: foxes • squirrels • ferrets/polecats/stoats • rabbits • hamsters • monkeys/marmosets • gerbils • weasels • dingoes.

Are rabbits smelly?

Unlike dogs, rabbits don't have a body odor. You shouldn't notice any odor emanating from them. If you do, the rabbit is probably sick or has an infection. An ear infection, for example, can give off a musty smell.

How much does a bunny cost?

Expect to pay $20-$40 for a rabbit from a pet store, and $5-$20 for a rabbit from a rescue, fair, or 4-H club. Breeders vary in what they charge for their specific breed of rabbit. Some are cheaper than pet stores while others with rare breeds will charge closer to $100 for a rabbit.

Can rabbits live outside Australia?

Rabbits can live outdoors, but you need to plan for this carefully. In Australia, predators and myxomatosis are the biggest killers of outdoor bunnies. Outdoor rabbits, especially those on their own, can easily be neglected and do not get the psychological enrichment they need to keep them happy.

Can you keep wild rabbits as pets Australia?

It is now legal to keep domestic breeds of rabbits in Western Australia without permits or conditions but the keeping of wild-type rabbits is still prohibited. Pet rabbits should be kept in insect-proof hutches to reduce their chances of contracting RHDV and myxomatosis.

Are guinea pigs illegal in Australia?

Unfortunately guinea pigs cannot be imported into Australia at this time. Please see the Australian Government Department of Agriculture website for more information. Sorry to be the bearer of this news, Enosha. Australia is a rabies-free country that imposes pretty strict rules on the pets allowed in.

Are bunnies and rabbits the same?

In fact, “bunny” is an informal name for a rabbit, but it usually refers to a young rabbit or a baby. Baby bunnies have other names, but many people refer to rabbits and hares as bunnies.

Are rabbits rodents?

(Incidentally, the Rodentia does not include rabbits; rabbits differ from rodents in having an extra pair of incisors and in other skeletal features. Rabbits, hares, and a few other species make up the Lagomorpha. Shrews, moles and hedgehogs are also not rodents; they are classified in the Mammal order Eulipotyphla.)

How do I own a rabbit in Qld?

You cannot keep a rabbit as a pet in Queensland. However, you can obtain a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for the purposes of exhibiting to the public. Under the Exhibited Animals Act 2015 (EAA) rabbits are category B species and may be exhibited for purposes such as educational exhibits or for entertainment.

Are hedgehogs legal in Queensland?

Four-toed hedgehogs (African Pygmy hedgehogs) may legally be kept as pets. Australia: All hedgehogs are classified as exotic pets that are illegal to import.

Are sugar gliders legal in Queensland?

Despite the best arguments for or against whether gliders should be kept as pets, in Queensland the ownership of gliders will remain illegal unless laws change.