Dangerous Wild Animals; Applying for a Permit for Non-Commercial Keeping

Wild animals are all animal species that are not typically kept in human care. Such animals are considered dangerous if interacting with them can lead to injury or damage due to their inherent dispositions or behaviors (e.g., lions, tigers, bears, large or venomous snakes). The specific characteristics of an individual animal (docility, tamed nature) are not relevant for determining the requirement for a permit.

The State Ministry of the Interior, Sports, and Integration, in coordination with the State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection, periodically publishes a sample list to facilitate the classification of kept animals.

Regional Supplement (Editorial Responsibility: City of Erlangen)

Contact:

+(49) 09131 / 86 - 1749

+(49) 09131 / 86 - 1973

Permission is granted if the applicant

• demonstrates a legitimate interest,
• there are no concerns regarding their reliability, and
• there are no risks to life, health, property, or possessions.

Strict standards must be applied to the requirements for granting a permit. For example, mere hobbyist activity does not constitute a legitimate interest.

The permit may be made contingent upon proof of special liability insurance.

A fine of up to ten thousand euros may be imposed on anyone who, intentionally or through negligence, keeps a dangerous wild animal without the required permit or fails to comply with the conditions attached to the permit.