No, owning a hedgehog as a pet is illegal in the United Kingdom under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in England and Wales. The species is classified as a wild animal, and private ownership is prohibited without a license from local authorities or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in United Kingdom
- Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 5): Prohibits the capture, injury, or killing of hedgehogs without a license, classifying them as protected species.
- Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England & Wales) / Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006: Mandates that keeping hedgehogs as pets constitutes unlawful possession of a wild animal.
- Local Authority Licensing Exemptions: Only zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or licensed breeders may hold hedgehogs, subject to APHA inspection and compliance with the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.