Press release

dated November 11, 2026, No. 189

Protected Animal Species: Owners Must Register Their Animals

County Administrative Office Highlights Legal Reporting and Labeling Requirements

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District. Anyone who keeps specially protected animal species must comply with certain legal requirements. The Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office emphasizes this. Keeping certain specially protected animal species is subject to a legal reporting requirement. This applies, for example, to certain turtles, parrots, and other specially protected vertebrates. Their presence must be reported immediately in writing to the competent local nature conservation authority.

The reporting requirement does not apply only to the initial inventory. Changes must also be reported immediately. These include additions and removals, such as through the purchase, sale, transfer, breeding, or death of an animal. Changes to the animal’s regular place of keeping must also be reported.

Individual identification is also required for certain protected mammals, birds, and reptiles. Depending on the species, this is done, for example, by means of a closed leg band, a transponder (microchip), or photographic documentation. This allows individual animals to be uniquely identified and linked to the corresponding records of origin and population status.

The trade in wild animals poses a significant threat to many species. To protect endangered species from overexploitation and illegal trade, international and national species conservation regulations have been established. A well-known example is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in endangered animal and plant species.

By tracking animal populations and documenting their origin and whereabouts, it is possible to trace where protected animals come from and where they are sent. This helps identify and curb illegal trade routes and the trade in animals unlawfully taken from the wild.

The report must include, among other things, information on the animal species, number, age, sex, origin, current location, and identification. In addition, appropriate documentation proving the lawful origin of the animals must be provided.

Animal owners are therefore urged to comply with their legal obligation to report in a timely manner. Anyone who is unsure whether a particular animal species is subject to reporting requirements or what documentation is needed can contact the Lower Nature Conservation Authority at the District Office by phone at 08041 505-117 or by email at umwelt@lra-toelz.de. Further information is available at www.lra-toelz.de.

Sabine Schmid
Press spokeswoman
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office