Biosecurity Qld says all rabbits must be reported, even ones found in the wild. However, the Vet Board (the regulating body) says vets do not have to report rabbits which come into their clinic.
You may treat an animal that is classified as restricted matter (such as a rabbit). If the animal is being kept as a pet, responsibility lies with the owner.
Although you do not have to report restricted animals, you may advise owners about the legal restrictions. It is illegal in Queensland to:
- board or rehome a restricted animal
- release a restricted animal (such as a rabbit, fox or feral pig)
- conduct trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs for feral cats.
You may euthanise a restricted animal or surrender it to local authorities. You may not transport it interstate, because the Act defines transport as ‘keeping’.
If you need to treat an animal that is legally kept interstate but not allowed in Queensland (such as an animal kept near the border that needs emergency care), contact Biosecurity Queensland for guidance. If you are likely to encounter these circumstances, seek pre-emptive guidance from Biosecurity Queensland.
Just above this section on “restricted matter” is “prohibited matter” – don’t know what the difference is because Biosecurity website says rabbits are “prohibited”.
If you become aware of a prohibited animal or you believe that something (such as an animal, plant or disease) you are aware of is prohibited matter, follow this process:
Report it to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours (unless you are aware that it has already been reported).
Take all reasonable steps to:
minimise the risks of the prohibited matter
avoid making the situation worse.
If you do not know whether an animal is prohibited matter, contact Biosecurity Queensland.
You may provide emergency treatment to a prohibited animal. However, boarding or rehoming them is an offence.
If the emergency treatment requires hospitalisation, follow these guidelines:
Take all reasonable precautions to ensure the animal cannot escape.
Provide only the treatment necessary to stabilise the animal.
Contact Biosecurity Queensland as soon as possible for advice.
Avoid long-term hospitalisation—keeping the animal beyond emergency treatment could be considered an offence.
https://www.vsb.qld.gov.au/for-vets/legislation