No, owning a hedgehog in Italy is prohibited under national wildlife protection laws unless specific exemptions are granted. The Legge 157/1992 (Framework Law on Hunting and Wildlife Protection) classifies hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) as protected species, barring private ownership without a deroga (exception) from the Ministero della Transizione Ecologica (MITE). Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Regolamento per la Tutela della Fauna Selvatica tighten enforcement, requiring applicants to prove conservation-based purposes (e.g., rehabilitation) rather than personal pets.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in Italy
- Protected Species Status: Hedgehogs are listed in Allegato II of Legge 157/1992, granting them strict protection. Unauthorized possession incurs fines up to €10,000 and potential confiscation under Decreto Legislativo 267/2000.
- Exemption Process: To legally own a hedgehog, applicants must submit a domanda di deroga to MITE, demonstrating a valid reason (e.g., wildlife rescue). The Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA) evaluates requests, prioritizing conservation over private ownership.
- Regional Variations: Some regions, like Lombardy, enforce additional local ordinances (e.g., Delibera 2023/12) that further restrict exotic pet ownership, requiring supplementary permits from regional environmental agencies.