Quote: "They (rabbits) are environmentally better pets than dogs or cats"

Rubbish. Google for the well documented scenes of devastation caused by rabbits.

Anyhow, why would anyone want to add to existing feral control problems?

As an observation, the OP asked for the reasons for the Queensland regulation of rabbits. When that was outlined, the OP proceeded to ignore the reasons, argue for rabbits in that State, and attacked the opposing view to her own.

In all honesty, where a poster has already formed an iron opinion as the OP obviously had on the subject it would have been principled to declare that from the outset.

Since in any event she was also not open to being convinced otherwise, that ought to have been said up-front too, which would have saved the time of posters who took her at her word, ie that she was seeking to know the background to the said law.

No-one has been able to explain why owners are not already having their animals de-sexed and they are releasing them. Border Councils are already up for control costs, as are NSW local government authorities, concerned about damage to assets from warrens undermining them, destruction to ratepayers' gardens and environmental damage such as destabilising soil near waterways.

More 'me, me, me' and individual egocentrism, with no regard for the welfare of the community, especially the ratepaying citizens who would very much prefer to see their money spent on essentials and not diverted into repairing damage from ferals and control measures.

Foxy,
I don't think you really want an answer to your question because you could get the official reason from the Qld government. Maybe you know the answer but prefer to take note of the advocates for 'rabbits as pets' crew. Not all the groups that advocate such are very practical and push the warm and cuddly line. Maybe you have a grand daughter that would like a 'cuddly lil wabbit', as I have. I recall some people saying we should allow the importation of some large cat breeds a few years ago. You would be aware that some people have deliberately released deer, goats and pigs in certain areas for their own benefit. To breed and release half feral/pet rabbits would be easy.

Given the risks involved, I support the Qld government policy and am critical of other states for not doing likewise. We should learn from our history about the dangers of rabbits and other introduced species. Yes, a nation wide ban on pet rabbits sounds good.

Dear otb,

We're all taxpayers-
even those who have pet rabbits. And no, I
did not have a set opinion when I began this
discussion - wrong assumption on your part, as
usual. - Its
only since I've been investigating the matter and
asking questions that I'm not understanding the
logic behind the decision for such heavy fines,
and the reasoning behind banning domesticated
animals as pets.

But do keep trying to say something intelligent.
Perhaps one day you'll surprise everyone.

Dear Banjo,

Thanks for your comments.

They are appreciated.

cont'd ...

Banjo, I actually do want to hear answers
but not just rants, finger-pointing, and
attacks on certain groups. They lead me to
respond in kind, unfortunately. It's a
bad habit I've picked up due to the impact of
certain entities on this forum. BTW - You're
not one of them.

Foxy: I actually do want to hear answers but not just rants, finger-pointing, and attacks on certain groups.

Well I think that we were trying to answer your question honestly to the best of our ability. You seem to consider that people who give reasons for banning Rabbits in Queensland as ranters & finger pointers.

If you just wanted people to say, Queensland shouldn't ban Rabbits, you should have said so. We can't read your mind. Then again, maybe we did, but answered honestly anyway. If you didn't want a negative answer then you shouldn't have asked the question.

Dear Jayb,

No I do not refer to people who give me
answers as to why rabbits should be banned
in Queensland as ranters and finger-pointers
et cerera. That is wrong.

However people people's posts speak for themselves.
And those who chose - in their very first posts
to use references
like the "lunar Greens," and the "barking-mad
Greens," and making vile comments like the
Greens would prefer to see a red deer suffer
instead of putting it out of its misery and
also insinuating that this discussion could
be a lead-up to spruiking for an online petition
put up by someone sponsored by CentreLink. WTF?

Those are the posts that obviously speak for themselves.
And they should be obvious to you as well. But then
perhaps you chose not to read them. Either that or
you're not offended by them and agree with them.