Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 on the Prevention and Management of the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Alien Species provides for a set of restrictions and measures to be undertaken across the EU for invasive alien species (IAS) list of Union concern. Such species are subject to restrictions on their keeping, importation, sale, breeding and growing, in addition to measures for their early detection, eradication or management.
As an owner of a pet/companion animal of species included in the Union list, you may keep your pet, provided that the animal was acquired prior to the inclusion of the species on the Union list, and is kept in a contained holding were reproduction or escape is not possible.
If for any reason you are no longer able to continue to keep or care for your pet, it is recommend that the animal is adequately re-homed by, for example, donating it to a responsible third party or to an animal shelter. One must ensure that any donated/transferred animals are kept in a contained holding, and such specimens are not released into the natural environment, since these may potentially harm local fauna and flora.
For any additional queries, you may check the frequently asked questions (FAQs), contact us via e-mail address on [email protected] or through telephone number 2292 3500.
Other links
- European Commission brochure (2020) – Invasive alien species of Union Concern
- European Commission brochure (2016/2017) – Invasive alien species of Union concern
- ERA automatic update form – Restriction of prohibited species
- ERA IAS leaflet – Stop the spread (2020)
- ERA IAS letter – New restrictions on a number of animals & plants (2020)
- Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 – Prevention & Management of the Introduction & Spread of Invasive Alien Species
- S.L. 549.119 – Control of Invasive Alien Species of European Union Concern Regulations
- S.L. 549.44 – Flora, Fauna & Natural Habitats Protection Regulations
