No, ferret ownership in Belgium is prohibited under the 2001 Royal Decree regulating invasive alien species and the 2023 Walloon decree banning mustelids as pets. The Flemish and Brussels-Capital Regions enforce identical restrictions via the Vlaams Decreet Natuur and Ordonnance Bruxelloise, respectively. Authorities cite ecological risks, including disease transmission to native wildlife and potential agricultural damage. Exemptions for licensed zoos or research facilities require prior approval from the FOD Volksgezondheid or regional equivalents.
Key Regulations for Owning a Ferret in Belgium
- Species Prohibition: Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are classified as invasive under EU Regulation 1143/2014 and national transpositions, triggering an outright ban on private ownership.
- Permit Requirements: Even for non-domestic mustelids, permits from the Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (Flanders), Service Public de Wallonie (Wallonia), or Bruxelles Environnement (Brussels) are mandatory, with approval contingent on strict containment protocols.
- Enforcement: Municipal authorities conduct periodic inspections under the Wetboek van Strafrecht (Art. 25bis), imposing fines up to €10,000 for violations. The 2026 revision of the Codex Natuur further tightens penalties for illegal possession.