Rabbits

Rabbit

Rabbits are a popular pet but must be housed securely.

Wild populations of previously domestic rabbits are causing big problems. These rabbits have escaped or been dumped by their owners.

Domestic and European wild rabbits are the same species. They breed very quickly, from 3 months old. Each litter is around 4-7 baby rabbits. One pair of rabbits can produce 30-40 babies a year.

Rabbits cause severe land degradation and soil erosion by digging holes deep into the ground. They eat not only the tops of plants but the roots as well. They graze on native seedlings and shrubs to the point where they cannot regenerate, reducing habitat for threatened species.

Rabbits compete with livestock and wildlife for food and water.

Rabbits are becoming an urban problem, damaging gardens, undermining house footings, destroying house termite barriers and attracting wild dogs, foxes and brown snakes closer to our homes.

Rabbit populations exist at Chinderah, South Kingscliff, Casuarina, Koala Beach, Bilambil Heights, Tumbulgum, Condong, Murwillumbah, Tyalgum and Limpinwood.

What to consider before buying a rabbit?

  • Rabbits live up to 10 years and need the same level of care as dogs and cats.
  • They need 6 monthly vaccinations against the calicivirus RHDV1 K5.
  • You can purchase or adopt a rabbit from The Rabbit Sanctuary. Rabbit Sanctuary rabbits come desexed, vaccinated and socialised and can be returned at any time.
  • Rabbits escape easily and can be very hard to catch. Keep your rabbit inside or choose a sturdy enclosure that rabbits cannot dig out of.
  • Rabbits dig holes in lawns.
  • Pet rabbits need to be desexed. Desexing is one of the best ways to prevent rabbit outbreaks so even if they do escape, they cannot breed. The RSPCA has low cost desexing options for low-income earners. Call 07 5536 5135 for information.

Releasing or dumping rabbits - penalties

Under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (P5 Div.1 Sect. 2.6 (1)) liberating a rabbit can attract fines up to $88,000. Abandoning an animal under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (P2 Sect.11) can result in 6 months jail.

Surrendering a pet rabbit

Council's pound does not accept rabbits. The Rabbit Sanctuary will take domestic rabbits for rehoming. Together with the RSPCA all surrendered rabbits are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and then rehomed. The Sanctuary can also provide advice and support for rabbit owners.

Preventing rabbit outbreaks

To reduce the need for lethal control, Council provides information to residents and pet shops about selling and keeping rabbits.

Biological control

In 2017, phase one of a 20 year long-term rabbit bio-control strategy was implemented with the national release (at more than 550 sites) of a Korean strain of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus, known as RHDV1 K5.

The next round of virus release took place in September 2019. If you’ve got any questions about the vaccine, please talk to your vet. 

Monitoring rabbit populations

Residents are encouraged to record rabbit activity in their local area on the Rabbit Scan app. You can use the free app to see where rabbits have been recorded, population size and evidence of disease. The site also lists releases of the recent calicivirus RHDV1 K5.

Frequently asked questions