I may look fluffy and cute….

Published on 13 April 2017

It’s Easter and with that comes the story of the Easter Bunny and chocolates.

And while the Easter Bunny looks fluffy and cute, the reality is that rabbits are a destructive pest in Queensland.

Chair of Rockhampton Regional Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee, Councillor Ellen Smith hopes that this time of the year will be a reminder to residents that rabbits are illegal as pets in Queensland.

“Wild rabbits in the country cause between $600 million and $1 billion damage every year,” said Cr Smith. 

“While they may seem cute and fluffy, it is important for residents to understand the impact that they have on our environment.

“Rabbits can cause severe land degradation and soil erosion, and threaten the survival of many rare and endangered native species.

“Residents who are found to distribute, dispose of, move, keep or feed rabbits without a permit can be fined up to $60,950 per offence.“  

If you do own a pet rabbit, do not release it into the wild visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or contact Council to find out what your options are.