- Last updated:
- 05 Jun 2019
Rabbits are not yet established in the Sunshine Coast region and it is very important that we keep it that way. Rabbits are one of Australia's worst agricultural and environmental pests. They compete with native animals, destroy the landscape and are a primary cause of soil erosion. If rabbits were to become established in the Sunshine Coast region their impact on the environment would be significant.
Rabbits cannot be kept as pets
Rabbits may be cute and cuddly but they are also a destructive pest in Queensland and illegal to have as a pet. If pet rabbits escaped into the wild they could quickly establish a wild population that may be very difficult to control. Allowing rabbits to be kept as pets within the Sunshine Coast region would be a significant risk to the environment.
Introducing and selling rabbits in Queensland is not permitted and penalties apply. Limited numbers of permits for domestic rabbits are only available from Biosecurity Queensland for research purposes, public display, magic acts or circuses. Before a permit is granted, a number of guidelines need to be fulfilled. Permits are not issued for any private purpose.
If you have a pet rabbit
Do not release your rabbit into the wild. Please contact council and arrange for the animal to be collected.
Image courtesy of the Queensland Government's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
No pet rabbits in Queensland
To learn more about rabbits and why they cannot be kept in Queensland, see the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Rabbit fact sheet.