Yes, keeping roadkill in Belgium is permitted under strict conditions, primarily governed by regional wildlife protection laws and sanitary regulations. The Flemish Region, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital Region each impose distinct rules, with recent 2026 amendments tightening species-specific restrictions and reporting obligations. Unauthorized possession of protected species (e.g., deer, wild boar) risks fines up to €10,000 under the Flemish Decreet Natuurbehoud or equivalent Walloon Code de l’Environnement. Always verify local ordinances before retrieval.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Belgium
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Species Protection Status: Only non-protected species (e.g., common foxes, rabbits) may be kept without permits. Protected taxa (e.g., badgers, otters) require prior approval from the Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (Flanders) or SPW Environnement (Wallonia). Brussels enforces stricter bans via Arrêté du Gouvernement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale.
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Sanitary Compliance: Carcasses must undergo veterinary inspection for zoonotic risks (e.g., trichinellosis in wild boar) under Règlement (CE) 853/2004. Improper handling voids legality; disposal via licensed renderers is mandatory for rejected specimens.
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Reporting Obligations: Flemish law mandates online notification within 48 hours of retrieval via the Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij portal. Wallonia requires submission to Département de la Nature et des Forêts for statistical tracking. Failure to report incurs administrative penalties.