Illegal Exotic Animals

Your Pet, Our Pests

The illegal trade of exotic pests threaten Victoria’s ecosystem and biosecurity. These animals are often stolen or bred under inhumane conditions. If smuggled into Australia without appropriate quarantine, they have the potential to carry diseases like rabies that can spread to local wildlife, pets, and even humans.

This illegal trade prioritises profit over the well-being of the animals and the environment.

Report What You Know

If you know someone who has an illegal exotic pet or someone who is involved in the trade of illegal exotic animals, let us know.

Penalties for illegally importing, keeping, breeding, or trading exotic pests, such as the African pygmy hedgehog, can reach up to $95,000.

Case Studies

How You Can Help

We need your help to stop the trafficking and ownership of illegal exotic pets. The illegal trade and keeping of exotic animals pose a serious threat to our native wildlife. If you have an illegal exotic pet, now is the time to surrender it — before someone reports you.

Exotic pets surrendered to businesses can contact Agriculture Victoria‘s Customer Service Centre at 136 186.

If you have any information about the illegal exotic animal trade, you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria by calling 1800 333 000 or by submitting a report online.

The following organisations are offering a no-questions-asked policy for surrendering exotic animals.

Surrender Locations

Links & Resources

Helpful information – Download

Poster – Download

Flyer – Download

 

In an emergency, or if there is an immediate threat to life, call 000.

Crime Stoppers Victoria acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Crime Stoppers Victoria (ABN 15 006 945 151) is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient. Donations of $2 or more to Crime Stoppers Victoria are tax deductible in Australia.
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