Yes, keeping roadkill in Greece is generally legal under specific conditions, but strict regulations govern its collection and use. The Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEKA) permits retrieval of dead animals from public roads only if they pose no sanitary risks, and ownership transfers require local authority approval.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Greece
- Sanitary Permits: Collection requires a permit from the local veterinary authority (Δημοτική Αρχή Υγειονομικής Περίθαλψης) to prevent zoonotic disease transmission.
- Species Restrictions: Protected species (e.g., birds of prey under Law 1335/1983) are excluded; only common livestock or game animals may be retained.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: New EU biodiversity directives (transposed via Presidential Decree 33/2026) mandate reporting roadkill to the Hellenic Network for Biodiversity Monitoring within 48 hours.
Failure to comply risks fines up to €3,000 under the Law on Animal Health and Welfare (4633/2019). Municipalities may impose additional local rules, such as designated collection zones. Always verify with the Regional Unit of Rural Economy & Livestock before handling carcasses.