Law oh keeping rabbits changed

Press, 1 June 1985, Page 9

Law oh keeping rabbits changed

Wellington reporter The law on the keeping of domestic rabbits has been changed so that another four breeds can be farmed or kept as pets. Since 1980, six breeds of rabbit — angora, California, chinchilla, Flemish giant, New Zealand white, and rex — have been exempted from the provisions of the Agricultural Pests Destruction Act which has meant they can be farmed or kept as nets. Now another four breeds — tan, silver fox, Netherland dwarf, and Dutch —

have been exempted. The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Moyle, said the four breeds chosen were the ones that had been most sought by the public and by rabbit fanciers. Another change to the law is that crossbreeding between all 10 breeds will now be permitted; previously it was illegal. Mr Moyle said the conditions on keeping rabbits had not changed.. All domestic rabbits had to be housed securely or restrained in a way that prevented them from escaping and becoming a nuisance.