Pets that are banned in Australia including monkeys, rabbits, hedgehogs and certain dog and cat breeds

In recent years, hedgehogs have become popular as exotic pets, according to Crime Stoppers Victoria.

But the spikey creatures are not prohibited in Australia as they pose biosecurity risks.

Penalties for importing, keeping, breeding, and trading illegally sourced exotic pest animals, including the African pygmy hedgehog can result in up to $210,000 in fines or two years in prison.

“The community also needs to understand the potentially devastating impact exotic animals can have on our environment and on agriculture. They are not suitable pets,” Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive, Stella Smith told 9news.