Do you live in Australia and wondering if can you own a capybara in Australia as a pet?
I know capybaras are very cute but before owning them as a pet you should know the legal requirements in Australia.
Hi there! I’m Harry, a capybara owner and a breeder for more than 5 years now and I’m here to guide you if you can own a capybara in Australia or not.
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Can You Own a Capybara in Australia
No, you cannot own a capybara in Australia as it is not legal due to the strict laws on the importation of exotic animals by the government of Australia.
The importation of exotic animals into Australia is regulated by the Federal Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act).
There are many exotic pets in Australia, which are under wildlife conservation due to their decreasing numbers and danger of getting extinct.
Though there are other exotic pets you can own that are native to Australia, you can not keep pets that need to be imported from other countries.
If you are found with a capybara or any other exotic pet which is illegal to keep in Australia you may face fines and prison sentences as well.
Capybaras are exotic pets, not every country allows its citizens to own them as pets. There are many countries where it is legal to own capybaras and there are many where it is illegal.
Why It Is Not Legal to Own a Capybara in Australia
Being a capybara owner, I know some countries do not let their citizens own exotic animals due to their conservation laws, some allow them if you have a license or a permit to keep them as a pet.
In Australia, laws are very strict when it comes to exotic animals. Let me first tell you why it is not legal to own a capybara in Australia then we’ll see if there is any possibility of keeping them.
- The government of Australia has banned the importation of exotic pets from other countries and it is regulated by the Federal Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act)
- The government is concerned about the biosecurity of the country and doesn’t want any disease or pest to enter the country.
- Australia has a diverse ecosystem and the government thinks the introduction of new species may impact the environment and food chain as new animals will fight for food and habitat.
- To protect wildlife from illegal trade.
I can see these are all the major reasons why Australia is not allowing to keep capybaras as a pet.
People in Australia love capybaras and have even filed an online petition to legalize their ownership.
It is understandable why the Australian government is not legalizing the ownership of exotic pets, of course, to preserve the country’s unique biodiversity and to ensure the well-being and safety of its ecosystem.
How Can You Own a Capybara in Australia
As I told you, you cannot own a capybara in Australia but still, there is a way to own a capybara in Australia by getting a permit or a license given at different levels but it depends on the purpose of importation.
Not everyone can get the license. You need to contact the Department of the Environment and Energy to get a permit to own a capybara and it’s not guaranteed that you’ll get the permission.
You can get more information from the department only as the states have their own laws as well.
Exotic Pets You Can Own in Australia
It is not legal to own a capybara in Australia but there are other exotic pets that you can own.
States in Australia have their own laws of keeping exotic animals as pets.
In New South Wales you can keep unique Australian birds, reptiles, frogs, and a few mammals. But you cannot own invasive species, crocodiles, sea turtles, or snakes. You also need to have a license to keep the native animals as pets.
In Victoria, you can purchase dogs, cats, non-specified reptiles, and caged birds.
Queensland has stricter policies on owning exotic animals. The Queensland government’s website on this policy lists the prohibited pet animals.
They include notoriously invasive species, including chameleons, boa constrictors, anoles, ferrets, foxes, iguanas, and monkeys.
Moreover, the regulations ban pets like hamsters, exotic geckos, and wild dogs.
Exotic animals you can own in Australia – Complete Information
To Wrap Up
It is illegal to own a capybara in Australia as pets due to the strict laws of importation of exotic animals in Australia but still, there are many other exotic animals you can own that are native to Australia.
The Australian government has implemented strict regulations and restrictions on owning exotic animals, including capybaras, to protect the country’s unique ecosystems and prevent potential ecological disruptions.
These measures are in place to maintain the integrity of Australia’s biodiversity and safeguard the native flora and fauna. The article emphasizes the importance of adhering to these regulations to preserve the country’s natural heritage and ensure the well-being of its ecosystems and native wildlife.
It is always advisable to consult with local authorities and relevant wildlife management agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the legal status of owning capybaras or any other exotic animals in Australia.
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