Why are hamsters banned in New Zealand?

MPI explained it had not investigated the risks around hamsters unlike other pests and that this could be a lengthy process with no guarantees hamsters could live in NZ given the threat to native species. Taumaihiroa says, "Hamsters eat bugs and plants and seeds so they said don't bring them here.

Furthermore, are hamsters illegal in NZ?

Hamsters are not present in New Zealand. When spoken to by Ministry of Agriculture and Foresty staff, she initially said she had a guinea pig named Hamster.

Also Know, why should I not get a hamster? Since hamsters have poor eyesight, they can be very nervous around humans until they learn to trust them. A scared hamster can bite a child, cause scratch injuries and even hurt itself by attempting to jump out a child's grasp. A hamster jumping out a child's hand can injure itself landing on the floor.

Keeping this in view, what pets are illegal in NZ?

Other pets that cannot be imported into New Zealand are:

ferrets.
guinea pigs (except from Australia)
mice and rats (except laboratory animals)
snakes and other reptiles (except some reptiles for zoos).

Is it legal to own a monkey in New Zealand?

"It is illegal to keep monkeys in New Zealand and there's no way these monkeys could be sold anywhere," she said. Ms Esterhazy said there is still an illegal market for monkeys overseas, but it would be very tough to reach those markets from New Zealand.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Is it legal to eat dogs in NZ?

In New Zealand, it's legal to kill your family dog, barbecue it, and eat it. So long as you stun or belt the animal hard enough for it to be deemed a "humane" killing. This according to the news.

How many dogs can you own in NZ?

two dogs

Can you have a pet hedgehog in NZ?

Hedgehogs do not naturally belong in New Zealand; therefore, our native wildlife is not adapted to protect themselves from them. The hedgehog's impact in most native bush areas that have the full range of other pests is considered low, because some of these other pests – like stoats – also eat hedgehogs.

Are snakes allowed in New Zealand?

That's because in New Zealand, snakes are actually considered a prohibited organism (it's illegal for them to just exist). That means not only will you never find one out in the wild (if you do, it will be dealt with mercilessly), but it's illegal to own one as a pet.

Can you have a pet tarantula in NZ?

This pretty much means that you can't own exotic pets, unfortunately. The way places like zoos can have them is because they are approved physical containment areas. Even so, they need approval for every new organism, and they get audited like crazy.

Can you own a fox in New Zealand?

In short, no. New Zealand takes its biosecurity very seriously and the regulations for importing animals as pets are quite restrictive.

Can I visit my pet in quarantine?

Myth #5: Pets won't be able to get their own food or medicine while in quarantine. Examples: Kuala Lumpur Animal Quarantine Station (KLAQS) allows visitors each day, so we recommend that you or your pet agent administer any necessary medication during visits (this facility also accommodates special food requests).

What reptiles can you own in New Zealand?

Exotic Pets

Axolotls. Also known as the Mexican salamander or Mexican walking fish.
Chelonians. Chelonians are reptiles which belong to the order Testudines; turtles, tortoises, and terrapins (several small species of turtle which live in fresh or brackish water).
Turtles.
Tortoises.
Dragons.
Leopard gecko.
Newts.
Skinks.

Can you own a sloth in New Zealand?

Not much to look at, you're not allowed to import them into NZ.

Can I move to New Zealand with my dog?

Paperwork for moving your pets

All animals entering New Zealand will need an import permit, which can only be given once you've booked a space for your pet at an approved quarantine facility. Export permits from an approved vet for each animal you're taking will also be needed.

How many cats are you allowed in NZ?

?There is no limit on the number of cats you can keep on your property. We also do not control the noise that free, wandering cats make.

Can I visit my dog in quarantine New Zealand?

New Zealand requires a quarantine period of 180 days for all dogs and cats entering the country, except for animals coming in from Australia. About 170 days of the quarantine can be spent in the home country and 10 days at the quarantine facility in New Zealand.

Are pitbulls legal in NZ?

The Dog Control Act 1996

The Dog Control Act prohibits the importation into New Zealand of American Pit Bull Terrier type dogs, and Dogo Argentino, Brazilian Fila, Japanese Tosa breeds.

Are ferrets legal in NZ?

Ferrets used to be kept as pets in New Zealand, but in 2002 a new law was passed, banning the sale, distribution and breeding of ferrets. There are only a few people in New Zealand who have a special permit which allows them to keep pet ferrets for hunting rabbits.

Why there is no snakes in New Zealand?

Explanation: But the reason there are no land snakes in Kiwi is probably because the geological climate has undergone several periods of glaciation, making the islands too cold for cold-blooded land snakes.

Are you allowed chameleons in NZ?

The veiled chameleon is kept as a pet in some countries, but it was New Zealand's choice to keep it out of the country, a MAF spokesman said. * It is illegal to import them into NZ without Environmental Risk Management Authority approval .

Are chinchillas allowed in NZ?

The pet store has a permit to keep chinchillas, and uses them as an educational tool for Environment Southland. The only place in New Zealand where they could potentially survive in the wild would be Central Otago, where they are allowed as pets without restrictions, she said.