No, owning a hedgehog in India is illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits the keeping of native or exotic wildlife without permits. The 2026 amendments to Schedule V (livestock exclusion) further clarify that even non-native species like African pygmy hedgehogs require state-level approvals, rarely granted for private ownership. Violations risk fines up to ₹25,000 or imprisonment under Section 51.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in India
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Schedule V): Classifies hedgehogs as “wild animals,” banning private possession without a permit from the State Wildlife Department.
- State-Specific Enforcement: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have issued circulars (2024–2025) explicitly prohibiting hedgehog ownership, aligning with CITES guidance on exotic pet trade restrictions.
- CITES Compliance (2026 Amendments): The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) now mandates prior approval from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) for any exotic pet imports, including hedgehogs, under the Exotic Live Species (ELS) Rules.
Exemptions exist only for zoos, rescue centers, or research institutions with MoEFCC-approved licenses. Domestic breeding programs remain unrecognized, and illegal trade seizures have increased under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022.