Strict Ban On Prolific Hamsters

Northern Advocate, 30 July 1949, Page 5

Strict Ban On Prolific Hamsters

WELLINGTON, Sat.. (P.A.).—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 Parry) today. New Zealanders, hearing of this overseas trend in fashion pets, might wish to keep hamsters as a hobby, but each animal could eat 100 lbs of food a year, destroying roots, grains and fruits.

The animals reproduce when seven weeks old and produce families of 10 to 12 within 16 days. Indications are that a hamster couple of today may head an army of pests 25,000,000-strong before the year 1952. If these animals were 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 might be made to smuggle them into New Zealand, said the Minister. Any person detected in such an offence would be heavily penalised, the maximum penalty being a fine of up to £2OO, or imprisonment for six months.

Instructions were being issued to collectors of customs and shipping companies in New Zealand of the dangers likely to result if any of these pests should be brought into New Zealand.