Hedgehogs as Pets in Ireland: Illegal Under the Wildlife Act 1976

Protected, Not Pets

**It is illegal to keep hedgehogs as pets in Ireland.** The European hedgehog (*Erinaceus europaeus*) is a **protected species** under the **Wildlife Act 1976** (as amended).

Legal Framework

• Section 23: Prohibits hunting, taking, killing, or **possessing** protected wild animals.
• Section 34: Makes it an offense to **sell, offer for sale, or keep** protected species without a license.
• Licenses are granted **only** for rehabilitation (injured/orphaned), research, or conservation — not private ownership.

Why the Protection?

• Native species; declining in UK/Europe due to habitat loss, pesticides, road mortality, badger predation.
• Irish population considered vulnerable; legal protection since 1976.
• Ecological role: insectivore (slugs, beetles, caterpillars) — gardeners' ally.

What If You Find One?

• Healthy, active at night: Leave alone. It's wild.
• Injured, orphaned, or active in winter (daytime): Contact a **licensed wildlife rehabilitator** (Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Trust, local vet, ISPCA). Do not attempt care yourself.
• Garden support: Log piles, wild corners, hedgehog highways (13cm fence holes), no slug pellets, shallow water bowl.

African Pygmy Hedgehogs?

**Also illegal.** Non-native species require **Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)** import license + CITES; private pet ownership not permitted. Ireland bans most exotic mammals as pets.

Penalties

• Summary conviction: **Class A fine (up to €5,000)** and/or **12 months imprisonment**.
• On indictment: **Fine up to €500,000** and/or **5 years imprisonment**.

Admire them in the wild. Support conservation. But **do not keep hedgehogs as pets in Ireland — it's a crime.**