Wednesday, 26 August 2026

 Chris CREWTHER (Mornington) (19:11): (1803) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Agriculture, and it is perhaps a unique topic but of importance given around 29,000 to 40,000 ‍households have them and given there are over 53,000 to up to 93,000 of these pets in these households. I am talking about the topic of domestic rabbits. The action I seek is that the minister look into establishing an enforceable statewide framework for domestic rabbits, including consideration of their inclusion under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and its regulations, after consulting rescuers, veterinarians, councils and animal welfare organisations.

Domestic rabbits are companion animals, not wild rabbits or disposable starter pets. Agriculture Victoria says that they need suitable housing, exercise, socialisation and diet and veterinary care and can live up to 15 years if well cared for. Yet the law still treats their welfare as an afterthought. Ministerial and departmental replies from 2023 until recently repeat the same answers: the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 protects rabbits, limited pet shop standards apply and individual complaints go to the RSPCA. Those statements may be true, but they do not answer the systemic problem. Dogs and cats are protected by cruelty laws and managed under the Domestic Animals Act because responsible ownership requires prevention, traceability and accountability. Rabbits are not. In 2023 the then minister said new animal care laws would include rabbits. In 2024 rabbit-specific regulations were still being considered. In 2026 the 1986 act remains in force.

I have been supporting a paper petition calling for domestic rabbits to be added to the Domestic Animals Act, launched by Nina, who is here in the chamber, and promoted very strongly to me and others by Jodie Smit in my electorate of Mornington. More than 2700 people have signed so far, well above the Legislative Council’s 2000-signature threshold for a paper petition to qualify for debate, which they propose to lodge in the next parliamentary term. That is a clear call for change. Rescuers see the consequences: accidental litters, backyard breeding, dumping, neglect and surrender. Kelly’s Rabbit Warren Rescue reported taking 199 rabbits from pounds in 2025 alone. Advocates report that many councils lack a formal surrender or rehoming pathway and instead refer residents to a small volunteer network, leaving rescuers to absorb veterinary, desexing and rehoming costs. Registered pet shops selling rabbits must meet mandatory care standards, but private and backyard sellers do not face the same code. There is no statewide registration, microchipping or breeder accountability scheme comparable to that for cats and dogs, making it harder to identify owners, deter dumping and prevent unwanted litters. I call for action.