No, owning a raccoon in Hungary is prohibited under the 2012 Act on Animal Protection and Welfare, classifying the species as an invasive alien species requiring strict control measures.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Hungary
- Invasive Species Ban: The 2012 Act (17/2012) and subsequent amendments align with EU Regulation 1143/2014, explicitly banning private ownership of raccoons due to their ecological impact.
- Permit Exemptions: Only zoos, research institutions, or wildlife rehabilitation centers licensed by the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH) may hold raccoons, subject to invasive species management plans.
- Enforcement & Penalties: Unauthorized possession incurs fines up to 5 million HUF (≈€13,000) and mandatory confiscation, enforced by NÉBIH and local environmental authorities.