No, owning a ferret in Iceland is prohibited under the Reglugerð um almenna heimild fyrir dýrategundum í fangelsi (Regulation No. 469/2019), enforced by the Matvælastofnun (Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority). The 2026 draft amendments to the Náttúruverndarlög (Nature Conservation Act) propose stricter penalties, including fines up to 1.5 million ISK for violations. Ferrets are classified as invasive species due to their ecological impact on ground-nesting birds.
Key Regulations for Owning a Ferret in Iceland
- Absolute Ban: Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are listed under Annex II of the Reglugerð um dýrategundir í fangelsi, which prohibits their importation, breeding, or possession without special dispensation.
- Enforcement by Matvælastofnun: The authority conducts inspections and confiscates animals under the Dýralögreglulög (Animal Police Act), with 2025 data showing 12 seizures in Reykjavík alone.
- Exemptions for Research: The Rannsóknarstofnun náttúruverndar (Icelandic Institute of Natural History) may grant permits for scientific purposes, but these require prior approval from the Umhverfisstofnun (Environment Agency of Iceland).