INTRODUCTION OF HAMSTERS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25870, 1 August 1949, Page 3

INTRODUCTION OF HAMSTERS

N.Z. RESTRICTIONS ON RODENTS (New Zealand. Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 30. Under no consideration would authority be given to allow into New Zealand a small rodent known as the hamster, which is now being cultivated by pet lovers in England and America, said the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W. E. Parry) to-day. New Zealanders, hearing of this overseas trend in fashion pets, might wish to keep hamsters as a hobby, but each animal could eat 100 pounds of food a year, destroying roots, grains, and fruits, Mr Parry said. The animals reproduced when seven weeks old, and produced a family of 10 to 12 within 16 days. Indications were that a hamster couple to-day might head an army of pests 25,000,000 strong before 1952. Were the animals to be liberated in New Zealand, they would constitute an even worse menace than rabbits.

Those who kept hamsters as pets in other countries often carried them in handbags or pockets, and attempts njight be made to smuggle them into New Zealand, Mr Parry said. Any person detected in such an offence would be penalised heavily. The maximum penalty was a fine of up to £2OO or imprisonment for six months. Instructions were being issued to Collectors of Customs and shipping comF ani . es in New Zealand of the dangers likely to result should any of these Pests be brought into New Zealand.