No, owning a monkey in Austria is prohibited under the 2026 amendment to the Tierschutzgesetz (Animal Welfare Act), which classifies non-human primates as “high-risk exotic pets.” The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection enforces this ban, aligning with EU-wide restrictions on primate ownership due to zoonotic disease risks and welfare concerns.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Austria
- Absolute Ban on Private Ownership: The 2026 amendment explicitly prohibits the keeping, breeding, or import of non-human primates (e.g., macaques, capuchins, marmosets) for private purposes, with no exemptions for “experienced keepers.”
- Strict Licensing for Research/Display: Only institutions with a Zulassung nach §24 Tierschutzgesetz (authorization under §24 of the Animal Welfare Act) may hold primates, subject to veterinary and ethical oversight by the AgrarMarkt Austria (AMA).
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violations incur fines up to €7,500 or imprisonment for up to two years, per §32 of the Tierschutzgesetz, with confiscation of animals mandated under §18.
Exemptions exist solely for zoos accredited by the Verband der Zoologischen Gärten Österreichs (VZÖ) or licensed scientific facilities. Import permits, if granted, require prior approval from the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz (BMK) and compliance with CITES regulations.