Rabbits As Pets In Australia
The restrictions aren t widespread but here is the run down of what regulations exist where.
Rabbits as pets 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. It should be recognised that rabbits are not suitable pets for children under 8 years of age. They were bred as food animals probably in cages. But contrary to popular belief they are not an easy first pet for a child.
The lagamorph family includes all rabbits including cottontails and the closely related hare. An adult 18 years or older must be the primary carer of your rabbit. Burrow through this website to discover how objects from the national museum s collections reveal the diverse relationships that have developed in australia between rabbits people and places. Rabbits like all animals have specific needs when it comes to their housing handling food and providing enough interesting and stimulating activities for them to do.
Rabbits are australia s most destructive agricultural and environmental introduced animal pest costing up to 1 billion annually. In general rabbits need appropriate housing exercise socialisation and a specific diet for good welfare. Children often refer to them affectionately as bunnies. Rabbits are a popular pet in australia and a much loved addition to any family.
It is the owner s responsibility to read these guidelines and ensure that all requirements are met. Australians have understood rabbits in many different ways as pests pets and a filling for pies. They are easy to look after and make a wonderful first pet for a child. Domestic rabbits and european wild rabbits are the same species and readily interbreed.
Some breeds of rabbits particularly the longer haired rabbits may require daily grooming. It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one. Where are rabbits considered a pest. Unfortunately not every part of australia sees rabbits as pets rather they view them as pests that are not permitted to be kept.
Rabbits are social and curious animals who can make fantastic pets. Home rodents as pets rabbits rabbits are small rodent like mammals called lagamorphs are found either natively or introduced on all continents and many small islands around the world. Alfred duke of edinburgh rabbit shooting at barwon park victoria in the 1860s rabbits were first introduced to australia by the first fleet in 1788. It s a great way to introduce the responsibility that pet ownership brings.