No, owning a kangaroo in Belgium violates the Royal Decree of 24 May 1988 on the Protection of Wild Animals, which prohibits private possession of non-domestic species without a derogation permit. The Flemish Region’s Decreet Natuur (2023) and Wallonia’s Code de l’Environnement (2024 amendments) further restrict exotic pet ownership, requiring species-specific licenses from the Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (Flanders) or SPW Environnement (Wallonia). Federal enforcement under the Loi du 14 août 1986 relative à la conservation de la nature aligns with CITES, classifying kangaroos as Annex B species, necessitating import permits even for licensed holders.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Belgium
- Species Prohibition: Kangaroos (Macropus spp.) are classified as “wild animals” under Belgian law, barring private ownership without a derogatie (exception) permit, which is rarely granted for non-scientific purposes.
- Regional Licensing: Applicants must secure approval from regional authorities—Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (Flanders) or SPW Environnement (Wallonia)—demonstrating adequate enclosures, veterinary plans, and conservation justifications.
- CITES Compliance: Import requires a CITES certificate from the FOD Volksgezondheid, proving legal acquisition and adherence to EU Regulation 2017/160, with mandatory microchipping and health certificates.