RABBITS MAY BE IMPORTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 163, 12 July 1928, Page 21

RABBITS MAY BE IMPORTED.

ANGORA AND CHINCHILLA.

CONDITIONS LAID DOWN.

it>y Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Wednesday,

The question of allowing the importation of Angora and chinchilla rabbits into New Zealand, to be kept and bred for fur for export, has been considered by the Government. It has been decided to permit this under definite conditions, as these rabbits are of a type unlikely ever to become a nuisance, even should any accidentally obtain their liberty. Moreover, their intrinsic value is sufficient to cause their owners to take every precaution to prevent them getting away. Before any such rabbits may be imported, it will be necessary to obtain a permit from the Minister of Internal Affairs, and it must be clearly understood that this permit will only be granted on the importer undertaking to keep the animals always in close confinement, and to fulfil the conditions as to procedure prior to shipment. This procedure will include the provision of certificates of health, also the observance of precautions necessary to prevent the risk of foot-and-mouth dieease. A shipping permit issued by the High Commissioner in London will be necessary before any shipments are made.