It is illegal to keep rabbits as pets in Queensland.

Many introduced animals such as the rabbit have become serious pests.

Pest animals have damaged Queensland's environment and economy. For this reason, the importation and keeping of some animals as pets is prohibited by legislation.

Prohibited animals include mammals, reptiles, amphibians, marine pests and birds.

Permits to keep declared animals are only available to some organisations, and only for specific purposes. More information about permits is available on the declared pest permits page on this website.

A list of frequently asked questions, which includes information about prohibited pets, is also available on this website.

Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians

All declared animals are prohibited as pets under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. The maximum fine for keeping declared mammals or reptiles is $80,000.

Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians include, but are not limited to:

• American corn snakes
• dingoes
• feral pigs
• ferrets
• foxes
• gerbils
• hamsters
• monkeys
• rabbits
• red-eared slider turtles
• squirrels
• stoats
• weasels
• wild dogs.

The keeping of native mammals, reptiles and amphibians is controlled by the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

Marine pests and birds are controlled by Biosecurity Queensland, part of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

Prohibited fish

Certain introduced freshwater fish are declared noxious in Queensland and cannot be brought into the state. A fine also applies to the keeping or release of noxious fish species.

Prohibited birds

Some exotic and native birds may be kept under a permit issued by the Department of Environment and Resource Management.