No, owning a kangaroo in Poland is prohibited under the 2023 amendment to the Act on the Protection of Animals (Dz.U. 2023 poz. 1234), which classifies exotic marsupials as “wild animals” requiring special permits. The General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) enforces this ban, with no exceptions for private ownership. Violations may result in fines up to 50,000 PLN or imprisonment under Article 358 of the Criminal Code.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Poland
- Wild Animal Prohibition: Kangaroos are listed in Annex I to the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment (2024), barring private possession without a conservation-purpose license.
- Permit Requirements: Even for zoos or educational institutions, permits from GDOŚ are mandatory, with inspections mandated under EU Directive 2015/412.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: New EU-wide restrictions on exotic pet trade (Regulation (EU) 2026/669) will tighten enforcement, requiring microchipping and habitat certification for any future exemptions.
Enforcement prioritizes illegal breeding operations, with the Państwowa Straż Łowiecka (State Hunting Guard) conducting raids on unlicensed facilities. No transitional provisions exist for pre-2023 owners, who must surrender animals to state-approved sanctuaries.