Raccoons, with their masked faces and curious nature, often capture the hearts of animal lovers. Their intelligence and playful antics might make them seem like ideal companions. However, if you’re in the UK and dreaming of having a pet raccoon, it’s crucial to understand the legal landscape surrounding exotic animal ownership. The short answer is generally no, you cannot legally keep a raccoon as a pet in the UK. This article will delve into the specifics of UK law, explaining why raccoons are prohibited as pets and what the regulations are surrounding invasive non-native species.
Raccoons Classified as Invasive Species in the UK
The UK government takes a firm stance on invasive non-native species, and raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) are included on the list of animals classified as such. This classification is not arbitrary; it’s based on the significant ecological and environmental risks these animals pose. Invasive species can severely disrupt native ecosystems, outcompete native wildlife for resources, and even introduce diseases.
The legal framework underpinning these restrictions is primarily the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA). This act prohibits the release of any non-native animal into the wild if it’s not typically resident or a regular visitor to Great Britain in a wild state. Furthermore, specific regulations are in place concerning listed invasive alien animals, and raccoons fall squarely under these strict rules.
Owning or looking after a raccoon in the UK comes with a stringent set of prohibitions. According to the government guidelines, if an animal is classified as an invasive alien species, you must not:
- Keep them in your house, garden, or business.
- Sell them to other people.
- Exchange them for goods.
- Release them into the environment.
- Let them breed or escape.
- Import them into the UK.
- Transport them within the UK.
- Export them to other countries.
These rules are comprehensive and apply to any live raccoon, as well as any part that could reproduce, such as eggs (though this is not applicable to raccoons). The intention is clear: to prevent the establishment and spread of raccoons in the UK environment due to the dangers they present to native flora and fauna.
Raccoons on the Invasive Non-Native Species List
To further clarify the legal standing, let’s look at the official list of invasive non-native (alien) animals. Raccoons are explicitly listed, categorized as a non-widely spread species at the time of listing (August 3, 2016). This listing reinforces the legal restrictions and underscores the UK government’s concern about the potential impact of raccoons on the native environment should they become established.
Here’s an excerpt from the official list highlighting the raccoon:
| Common name | Scientific name | When it was listed |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Procyon lotor | 3 August 2016 |
This listing date is significant because it impacts certain exemptions, which we will discuss later. The inclusion of raccoons on this list is a direct answer to the question: “Can You Have A Pet Raccoon In The Uk?” – legally, the answer is overwhelmingly no.
Are There Any Exceptions? Limited Circumstances for Raccoon Ownership
While the law is clear about the prohibitions on keeping raccoons, there are very limited exceptions. These exceptions are designed to address specific situations and do not generally open a pathway for keeping raccoons as ordinary pets acquired after the listing date.
1. Pets Owned Before Listing:
If you legally owned a raccoon as a pet in the UK before August 3, 2016 (the date they were listed as invasive), you were permitted to keep it for the remainder of its life under very specific conditions. These conditions are crucial and still apply:
- Pet, Not Business: The raccoon must be kept as a pet, not for any commercial purpose.
- Contained Holding: It must be kept in a secure, escape-proof enclosure, such as a robust cage.
- No Breeding: You must prevent the raccoon from breeding.
- No Selling or Exchange: You cannot sell or exchange the raccoon.
Even under this exemption, strict containment is mandatory. Taking a raccoon for walks, even on a leash, is prohibited. The animal must remain in its contained holding at your home. Transportation is only permitted for essential reasons like moving house or vet visits, and even then, it must be in a secure pet carrier.
2. Rescue Centres (Temporary):
Legally operating rescue centers can temporarily house listed invasive alien animals, including raccoons, for up to six weeks without needing a specific permit or license. However, this is strictly for short-term care. For longer-term care, rescue centers must obtain a license. The same stringent conditions apply: contained holding, preventing escape and breeding. If a raccoon was a pet before entering a rescue center, it can potentially be rehomed as a pet to someone who can provide the necessary evidence of its pre-listing pet status.
3. Zoos and Research/Educational Establishments (Permitted):
Zoos, aquariums, research facilities, and educational institutions can, under specific permits, keep listed invasive species like raccoons. However, this is only allowed for:
- Ex-situ conservation: Conservation efforts outside the animal’s natural habitat in controlled environments.
- Research: Legitimate scientific research purposes.
These institutions must apply for and obtain a permit, demonstrating how the raccoons will be used for conservation or research. Breeding is generally prohibited, and these animals cannot be used for public encounter experiences or shows.
It is critical to understand that these exceptions are not loopholes for general pet ownership. Acquiring a raccoon after the listing date with the intention of keeping it as a pet is illegal, unless it falls under the very specific and narrow pre-listing pet ownership exemption, which requires robust proof.
What Happens If You Find a Raccoon in the UK?
Given that raccoons are not native to the UK and are listed as invasive, encountering one in the wild is a significant event and should be reported.
If you find a raccoon in the wild or on your land, you are obligated to report it to the Non-Native Species Secretariat. This reporting is crucial for monitoring and controlling the potential spread of invasive species.
What Not to Do:
- Do not attempt to capture it and keep it as a pet. This would be illegal.
- Do not release it elsewhere if you have captured it. Relocating it would also be illegal.
Accidentally Restrained Animals:
If you find a raccoon accidentally trapped (e.g., in netting), you are permitted to release it from the restraint. This is not considered an intentional release. However, you must not take a listed animal out of the wild and then release it back; this is an offense. If you have taken a raccoon out of the wild (e.g., to a vet), you must not release it back into the wild but instead contact the relevant authorities for guidance or take it to a licensed facility.
Penalties for Breaking the Law
The penalties for violating the regulations surrounding invasive alien species are significant and reflect the seriousness with which the UK government treats these issues. Breaking the law can result in:
- Warnings.
- Compliance or restoration notices: Requiring you to take specific actions to rectify any damage caused.
- Fines.
- Imprisonment: Up to three months for a summary offense or up to two years for a more serious indictable offense.
Furthermore, if you hold a permit or license related to animal keeping and commit an offense related to invasive species, you risk losing your permit or license and being barred from obtaining another for up to five years.
Where to Seek Further Information
For specific queries, reporting offenses, or seeking guidance, several organizations can be contacted:
-
Natural England (for England): For license queries, reporting offenses in England, and guidance if you acquired a listed animal after it was listed.
- Telephone: 020 8026 1089
- Email: [email protected]
-
Natural Resources Wales (for Wales): For similar queries and reporting in Wales.
- Telephone: 03000 653000
- Email: [email protected]
-
APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) Permit Team: For permit-related information for research or conservation and to report permit offenses.
- Telephone: 03000 200 301
- Email: [email protected]
-
GB Non-native Species Inspectorate: For advice on importing invasive non-native species and to report listed animals for sale or other offenses.
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion: Raccoons are Not Legal Pets in the UK
In conclusion, while the idea of having a pet raccoon might be appealing, the legal reality in the UK is clear. It is generally illegal to keep a raccoon as a pet. Raccoons are classified as invasive non-native species, and strict regulations prohibit their keeping, breeding, selling, and release into the environment.
The exceptions to these rules are very narrow, primarily concerning raccoons legally owned as pets before August 2016, temporary stays in rescue centers, and permitted activities in zoos and research institutions. For the vast majority of individuals, owning a raccoon as a pet in the UK is not a legal option. The focus of the law is on protecting the UK’s native biodiversity and preventing the ecological damage that invasive species can cause. If you are considering pet ownership, it is crucial to choose a species that is both legally permissible and ecologically responsible.
