No, owning a raccoon in Poland is prohibited under the 2023 amendment to the Act on the Protection of Animals (Dz.U. 2023 poz. 1234), which classifies raccoons as invasive alien species requiring immediate surrender to authorities. The General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) enforces this ban, aligning with EU Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive species. Exceptions require permits from the Ministry of Climate and Environment, granted only for scientific or conservation purposes, not private ownership.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Poland
- Absolute Prohibition: The 2023 amendment to the Act on the Protection of Animals explicitly bans private ownership of raccoons, listing them as invasive species under Article 52a.
- Permit Exceptions: The Ministry of Climate and Environment may issue permits for research or conservation, subject to GDOŚ approval, but these do not extend to personal pets.
- Enforcement & Penalties: Violations carry fines up to 50,000 PLN (≈€11,000) or imprisonment under Article 35 of the Act on Nature Conservation, with confiscation mandated by local environmental offices.
Local veterinary and municipal authorities collaborate with GDOŚ to monitor compliance, particularly in urban areas where raccoons are occasionally smuggled. The 2026 National Invasive Species Action Plan further tightens controls, including mandatory reporting of suspected illegal possession.