Recreational wildlife licence (obtained pre 22 August 2020)
Your responsibilities
As the holder of a Recreational Wildlife Licence (RWL) you have a number of responsibilities.
Animal welfare
You are required to keep your animal in a way that protects the animal’s welfare and minimises its likelihood of escape. You should adhere to the following codes of practice:
- Code of practice—Aviculture (PDF, 901KB)
- Code of practice—Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry (PDF, 310KB)
Once you buy or receive an animal, you must keep that animal on your licence for at least six (6) months. If you need to sell or give away the animal within this timeframe, a request must be made in writing to Permit and Licence Management (PALM). You are not to move the animal until you have received a response to your request.
Confirming identification
When you obtain, accept, sell or give away wildlife under your RWL you must obtain verification of the other person’s identity (e.g. driver’s licence).
If the other person is acting under a wildlife authority you must inspect their licence and keep a record of the licence number in your record book.
Movement advice
You will need to obtain a movement advice or movement permit when you sell, buy, give away, or otherwise move your wildlife.
Reporting on your activity
Every animal kept under a RWL must be recorded in a wildlife record book or approved electronic record system. It is the responsibility of the RWL holder to obtain either before keeping wildlife under the licence.
An inspection of your facilities by a Queensland Government officer can be undertaken at any time. Consequently records must always be kept up to date and penalties may apply if they are not complete, accurate, legible or up to date.
If your record book is lost or destroyed you must immediately contact PALM on 13QGOV (13 74 69).
The infringement notice penalty for failure to produce the record book or copy when requested is four (4) penalty units. If you are unable to comply with this direction you are required to provide a reasonable reason in writing to PALM.
Ordering record books
Each record book can be used to record details about multiple animals, however only one species of animal can be recorded per page (each page is an individual Wildlife Record Form). Multipage record books are available for purchase.
To purchase a 20 page record book or 50 page record book phone 1300 130 372 (Option 4) or email the Online Services Help Desk.
Change of address or contact details
You must notify PALM in writing if you change your address or contact details. Penalties may apply if you fail to notify the department of any address or licence changes.
Email: palm@des.qld.gov.au
Postal address
Permit and Licence Management
Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
GPO Box 2454
BRISBANE QLD 4001
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