Yes, keeping roadkill is legal in Austria under strict conditions. The Bundesgesetz über die Beseitigung von Tierkörpern (Tierkörperbeseitigungsgesetz) permits retrieval for personal use if the animal is not endangered, reported to authorities within 24 hours, and processed hygienically. Local Bezirksverwaltungsbehörden enforce compliance, while EU 2026 regulations on animal by-products may tighten oversight.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Austria
- Reporting Requirement: The finder must notify the local Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde or police within 24 hours of discovery, providing species, location, and estimated time of death. Failure to report risks fines up to €7,260 under §12 Tierkörperbeseitigungsgesetz.
- Species Restrictions: Only non-protected species (e.g., foxes, deer, wild boar) may be kept. Endangered species (e.g., lynx, otters) are strictly off-limits, aligning with EU Habitats Directive Annex IV.
- Hygiene & Processing: Carcasses must be refrigerated (≤4°C) or frozen within 6 hours and processed within 72 hours to prevent zoonotic risks. Commercial use requires registration with the Agrarmarkt Austria under EU Regulation 1069/2009.