No, owning a hedgehog as a pet is illegal in Australia under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and state biosecurity laws. The Australian Government classifies hedgehogs as non-native species, posing ecological risks. Exemptions are rare, requiring approval from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Some states, like Tasmania, impose additional penalties under the Nature Conservation Act 2002.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in Australia
- Federal Ban: The EPBC Act prohibits the import, keeping, or breeding of hedgehogs without a permit. The DCCEEW enforces this, with violations potentially resulting in fines exceeding $220,000 or imprisonment.
- State-Level Restrictions: Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014 and New South Wales’ Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 mirror federal prohibitions, criminalizing unauthorized possession. Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 similarly restricts non-native species.
- Permit Exemptions: Limited exemptions exist for research or conservation purposes, requiring rigorous justification. Applications undergo scrutiny by the DCCEEW and relevant state agencies, with approvals contingent on ecological impact assessments.
Recent compliance shifts, such as the 2026 review of the EPBC Act, aim to tighten biosecurity measures further. Prospective owners must consult local wildlife authorities before considering any hedgehog-related activities. Non-compliance risks severe penalties, including asset forfeiture.