Animal Licence Holder Responsibilities

Keeping of Animals

Under the Nature Conservation Act 1980, you are required by law to be the holder of a licence for ALL animals, dead or alive, (whole or parts thereof) except for those on the Exempt List.

When you are the keeper of animals that require a licence under the Nature Conservation Act 1980, you are required to keep prescribed records. If you are the holder of:

• any non-exempt animals;
• protected native animals; or
• special protection status animals, you must keep records as prescribed in an official record book. These record books may be obtained from Environment ACT.

Private Keeper Licences are issued for a period of five years, and are renewable. In this renewal process, you must:

• submit an Application for Renewal to Environment ACT before the expiry date of your licence;
• attach any records that are prescribed to be kept (details provided below);
• attach a money order, cheque, or credit card details; and
• in the case of no longer keeping an animal, notify Environment ACT immediately, returning the completed records and record book.

A licence is not required to keep, possess, breed, buy, sell or dispose of species listed on the Exempt List. However, the animals must come from a legal source, and may not be taken, or come from the wild.

Importing and Exporting Animals Into and Out of the Act

Private keepers must inform the licensing officer prior to importing or exporting any animal into or out of the ACT.

Selling Animals

Private keepers must inform the licensing officer prior to the selling, trading, or disposing of any animals in the ACT (including by donation).

What Records Do I Keep?

You are required by law to keep the following records for each and every animal:

• A record of the number, species and sex of the animal.
• If you import/export to/from the ACT, buy or sell trade or otherwise dispose of an animal from or to another person (including pet shops etc), or your animal dies or escapes:
• a record of the number, species and sex of the animal;
• a record of the date of receipt, transfer, death or escape of the animal; and
• a record of the name and address of the person buying or receiving the animal (and their licence number to keep or sell). These records must be presented to a Conservation Officer on request. Conservation Officers may enter your land or premises and inspect animals and records without notice. It is your responsibility to ensure that your records are accurate and up-to-date.

Why Do I Have To Keep Records?

The illicit international and domestic animal trade is a problem in Australia. Heavy fines may be incurred if prescribed records are not completed. With your assistance, Environment ACT can play its part in the national role of stamping out the illicit animal trade.

Penalties

Under the Nature Conservation Act 1980, there are heavy fines for failing to obtain relevant licences for animals and the associated activities, and for failing to complete or submit records. Fines of up to $10,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment can be incurred. If you have any questions about any animal or activity, please contact Environment ACT beforehand, for advice. This is your responsibility.

How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Licence?

Please allow seven to ten working days from the submission of an application form for the processing of licences. This process may take longer during renewal time.

Address all correspondence to the:

Licensing Officer

Environment ACT

Arts, Heritage and Environment
PO Box 144
Lyneham ACT 2602
Telephone: (02) 6207 6376
Fax: (02) 6207 6235
(AHE 06/1533)

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