Last updated on November 3, 2025
No. Australian animal welfare laws and state regulations require pet rabbits to be housed in secure, escape-proof enclosures at all times. This is to protect rabbits from predators, prevent environmental damage, and comply with legal obligations under acts such as the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Allowing rabbits to roam freely is prohibited and can result in fines.
Rabbits: Cute Companions with Big Responsibilities
Rabbits may look like low-maintenance pets, but in Australia, they come with serious legal and ethical responsibilities. While these furry friends are popular in many households, their history as an invasive species has shaped strict rules around their care. Escaped domestic rabbits can wreak havoc on gardens, native vegetation, and even structural foundations. That’s why Australian law insists on secure housing—no exceptions.
The Legal Framework: Why Secure Enclosures Are Mandatory
Australia’s approach to rabbit ownership is grounded in environmental protection and animal welfare. Under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Queensland) and similar legislation in other states, pet owners must provide appropriate housing that ensures safety and prevents escape. In South Australia, the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 goes further, declaring domestic rabbits as a controlled species. Owners must keep rabbits in well-constructed cages or pens that are escape-proof and protect against predators.
These laws aim to prevent rabbits from becoming feral, a problem that has historically devastated Australian ecosystems. Escaped rabbits breed rapidly, causing soil erosion, crop loss, and biodiversity decline. By enforcing secure enclosures, authorities reduce the risk of environmental damage while safeguarding animal welfare.
What Counts as a Secure Enclosure?
A secure enclosure is more than a simple hutch. It must:
- Prevent Escape: Wire fencing should extend at least 30 cm underground to stop burrowing and be high enough (around 150 cm) to prevent jumping.
- Protect Against Predators: Close-meshed grids and lockable doors keep out dogs, cats, foxes, and birds of prey.
- Provide Shelter: Rabbits need protection from heat, cold, wind, and rain. Enclosures should include shaded areas and insulated sleeping spaces.
- Allow Natural Behaviours: Space for hopping, digging, and hiding is essential. Recommended minimum size for two rabbits is about 10 m², with enrichment items like tunnels and platforms.
Indoor setups must also be rabbit-proofed—covering electrical cords, removing toxic plants, and ensuring ventilation.
Why Free-Roaming Is Prohibited
Letting rabbits roam freely in a backyard might seem harmless, but it poses multiple risks:
- Environmental Impact: Escaped rabbits can establish feral populations, damaging crops and native flora.
- Predator Threats: Unsecured rabbits are easy prey for dogs, cats, and wild animals.
- Disease Transmission: Rabbits exposed to wild populations risk contracting calicivirus or myxomatosis, both fatal diseases.
These concerns explain why Australian states enforce strict containment rules. Violations can lead to fines and, in severe cases, confiscation of animals.
Practical Tips for Compliance
If you plan to keep rabbits in Australia:
- Invest in a professionally built enclosure or follow guidelines from animal welfare organisations.
- Regularly inspect for wear and tear—rabbits are persistent chewers and diggers.
- Provide enrichment to prevent boredom and stress.
- Keep vaccinations up to date and maintain hygiene to reduce disease risks.
The Bigger Picture: Welfare and Conservation
Australia’s rabbit laws reflect a balance between pet ownership and environmental stewardship. By requiring secure enclosures, authorities protect ecosystems while ensuring rabbits live healthy, enriched lives. For owners, this means embracing responsibility—not just for their pets, but for the country’s unique biodiversity.
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Sources
Guidelines for keeping pet rabbits – Agriculture Victoria
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/other-pets/rabbits/guidelines-for-keeping-pet-rabbits
ongoing
Your legal obligations: Keeping domestic rabbits – Government of South Australia
https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/landscape/docs/Keeping-pet-rabbits-feb-2022.pdf
2022