No, owning a pet fox in Colombia is prohibited under national wildlife laws unless explicitly authorized for conservation or scientific purposes. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Minambiente) enforces Decree 1076 of 2015, which classifies foxes as wild fauna, banning private ownership. Recent 2026 amendments to Resolution 2067 further restrict exceptions, requiring permits only for zoos or rehabilitation centers.
Key Regulations for Owning a Pet Fox in Colombia
- Wildlife Protection Status: Foxes (Cerdocyon thous and Lycalopex spp.) are listed as protected species under Decree 1076 of 2015, prohibiting private possession without a Minambiente permit—unavailable for pets.
- Permit Requirements: Even for “non-commercial” purposes, Minambiente’s 2026 Resolution 2067 mandates proof of conservation necessity, which pet ownership does not satisfy. Violations incur fines up to 10,000 minimum legal wages.
- Local Enforcement: Municipal environmental authorities (e.g., Secretaría Distrital de Ambiente in Bogotá) conduct inspections under Law 1955 of 2019, seizing illegally held foxes and imposing penalties.