Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. L AW No. 7875 dated 23.11.1994 ON PROTECTION OF WILD FAUNA AND HUNTING Based on article 16 of law No. 7491 dated 29.04.1991 “On basic constitutional Provisions”, upon proposal from the Council of Ministers, The People’s Assembly of the Republic of Albania HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: CHAPTER 1 GENERAL STIPULATIONS Article 1 Wild fauna of the Republic of Albania constitutes national wealth. It is under administration and protection by law. The state is responsible for administration of this wealth to the interests of the nation in accordance with international agreements, which the Republic of Albania is a party to. Article 2 The wild fauna includes wild animals and fowl living freely in populations in the territory of the Republic of Albania, permanently or temporarily. Article 3 Wild fauna, growing naturally or cultivated and living freely in the territory of the Republic of Albania, is available for hunting activity as prescribed in the provisions of this law and relevant by-laws. Article 4 The Republic of Albania subject to veterinary measures in accordance with effective laws and international conventions ratifies wild fauna, naturally growing or cultivated. Article 5 The Institute for Forest and Pasture research acts in the capacity of a technical advisory body to the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures and the Forest Directorates at the region level for purposes of enabling the implementation of this law and other relevant by-laws. CHAPTER II HUNTING STOCK, TERRITORIAL EXPANSION OF THIS STOCK AND
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. COMPETENT AUTHORITY Article 6 The hunting stock is made of: a) Wild animals and wild fowl; b) The area of hunting stock; Article 7 The area of hunting stock, irrespective of ownership rights, includes the territories populated by wild animals and fowl as follows: a) Forestry stock, pasture stock and lawns; b) Arable land; c) Inland water bodies (lagoons that connect to the sea, marshland, natural and artificial lakes, water streams and water basins); d) Rocks, steep lands, abysses, sandbanks. The hunting stock does not include areas in urban zones and territories within a radius of 150 m from their periphery, the high roads, railways and seawaters. Article 8 The expansion of hunting stock, as per biological requirements and the condition of wild fauna, is divided into hunting zones according to the following categories: a) Free hunting zones; b) Zones of repopulation and capturing game for populating purposes; c) Hunting reservoirs; d) Fauna reservoirs. Article 9 Repopulation and opening zones, hunting reservoirs, fauna reservoirs and natural reservoirs may be created in land expansions belonging to the state on proposal from the responsible governmental institution, or in private property in agreement with the respective physical or legal entity. a) Repopulation zones and zones for catching game are set up for purposes of raising and developing wild fauna. b) Hunting reservoirs are set up for purposes of permanent administration of wild fauna for recreation and tourism activities. c) Fauna reservoirs and natural reservoirs are aimed at providing absolute protection to the wild fauna populating the area, as well as all other natural riches in the area. Hunting and fishing is prohibited in such reservoirs. Upon authorization of the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures, scientific and research activities, photographing and other similar activities are allowed in the fauna reservoir and natural reservoirs. Article 10 Subject to proposal from the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures, the Council of Ministers approves the creation of fauna reservoirs and of natural reservoirs.
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. The Minister of Agriculture and Food approves the creation of hunting reservoirs, repopulation areas and areas for game capture. Private territories may be included in the territories of hunting reservoirs and fauna reservoirs after obtaining the consent of the owner. CHAPTER III PLANNING AND HARVEST OF GAME Article 11 The General Directorate of Forests and Pastures is responsible for the inventory of the species of wild fauna. It is obligated to update the inventory periodically. Based on inventories of wild fauna and the health condition of hunting game, the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures in consultations with the Committee for Environment Protection and Conservation and other concerned institutions, design a national plan for harvesting game. Article 12 The General Department of Forests and Pastures, prior to the opening of the hunting season, approves the game harvesting plan, sets daily limits for each kind of game that may be taken per hunter, and defines the dates for hunting activity which are strictly obligatory. Article 13 Traditional and sporting fishing inside the territories of hunting reservoirs is legal only upon authorization by the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures and the Department for Natural Resources. Article 14 The Government encourages private investment for purposes of conservation, administration and growing of wild fauna. The General Directorate of Forests and Pastures may conclude contract agreements or protocols with physical or legal entities, national or foreign, concerning the breeding of wild animals and game for hunting and other goals that comply with the purposes of this law. The Directorates of Forest Services at region level may act in the capacity of contracting sides. In cases of tourist hunting, contracts may be concluded for 1-3 years subject to subsequent renewal. Relative to hunting reservoirs, lease contracts to authentic fauna agencies, from the country or from abroad, is a preferable option. Works in the hunting reservoirs, in fauna and natural reservoirs are approved based on research projects designed by the Institute for Forest and Pasture Research and reviewed by the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures. Article 15 Upon authorization of the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures, physical or legal entities, national or foreign, may conduct artificial insemination and raise wild
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. fauna and fowl in private land forming part of the forest stock, for purposes of repopulation, trade, food and decoration. These entities are obligated to use up to 10 per cent of the annual turnout for the repopulation of the forest zones free of any charge. Article 16 The General Directorate of Forest and Pastures and the Ministry of Finances are responsible for setting fees for game harvesting and hunting, for entrance into hunting, fauna and natural reservoirs, for renting and other similar purposes. Article 17 The sale of the skin of wild animals, the trading of live, embalmed and trophy animals and fowl by physical and legal entities, governmental or private, national or foreign, must be accompanied by permission of the forest authorities confirming capture or killing in accordance with the provisions of this law. Article 18 Frogs, turtles, snails, reptiles and every living thing that grows and develops in the forest stock and hunting stock are property of the state, except when they grow and develop in private property. Harvesting of the above may be effected only after having obtained permission from the forest authority that is responsible for protection and exploitation of forest assets based on technical and biological criteria. Article 19 The government provides budgetary funding for the protection, development and reproduction of wild fauna, the natural ecosystems where wild fauna lives and for coping with major natural disasters. CHAPTER IV HUNTING Article 20 Hunting in the territory of Albania designated as hunting stock is governed in accordance with the provisions of this law and all relevant by-laws. Article 21 Hunting means every act that relates directly to the killing and capture of wild animals and fowl, pursuit of game, or ambushing to kill or capture game through the use of legitimate hunting instruments. Article 22 Eligible for hunting in the Republic of Albania is every Albanian citizen over 18 of age that has obtained a hunting permit.
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. Annual hunting permits and membership cards are issued by associations of sporting hunters and fishers at region level and are valid in the entire country’s territory. Hunters who fail to pay their obligations as provided by law will not be allowed to hunt. Article 23 Foreign physical or legal entities obtain their hunting permits from the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures which establishes the terms and conditions for hunting in the territory of the Republic of Albania. Article 24 The hunters are obligated to declare at the Directorate for Forest Services the number of wild animals and fowl hunted in the manner described in the relevant law and bylaws. Hunters are expected to hand in the game and notify the closest veterinary center of sings of disease they may have detected in the game. Article 25 Hunting is lawful when carried out by hunting weapons, bows and hunting dogs. Only in specials occasions the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures will allow the use of traps and other similar methods. Holders of hunting permits may be authorized to carry spear headed and sharp edged instruments used in hunting. Article 26 Hunting permits and annual authorizations to hunt (when obtained for the first time ever) are subject to successful passage of a test delivered by commissions nominated at local level in accordance with criteria approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Article 27 Game killed in the activity of hunting in accordance with the provisions of this law and relevant by laws is the property of the individual having killed it. Physical or legal entities when leaving the territory of the Republic of Albania are entitled to take with them killed or captured game provided they have obtained proper certification by the forest authority and veterinary authorities at respective region. Article 28 The General Directorate of Forests and Pastures, in conjunction with other concerned institutions, defines the kind of wild fauna that may be hunted and a calendar for hunting. Hunters are obligated to honor the hunting calendar. The Minister of Agriculture and Food, upon proposal from the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures, for reasons relating to special ecological or weather conditions, may ban hunting in the entire territory or in particular areas even though the hunting seasons may be open.
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. Article 29 The Directorate for Forest Services at region level designates hunting areas to be used by hunters to train hunting dogs. Trainers are obligated to honor boundaries of confines and established rules. CHAPTER V PROTECTION OF HUNTING STOCK Article 30 Protection of wild fauna and implementation of the provisions of this law and relevant by-laws is the duty of the Directorate for Forest Services, of public order structures, of local government bodies, the associations of sporting hunters and fishers, of all physical or legal entities, national or foreign, governmental or private with stakes in this activity. Article 31 The Directorate of Forest Service at region level organizes, controls and takes responsibility for the protection of wild fauna and its administration in the entire hunting stock, irrespective of property rights. Physical or legal entities with ownership or lease rights over pieces of land forming part of hunting stock are obligated to implement the provisions of this law. Article 32 Law, except for mice species, protects all species of wild fauna not included in the list of hunting game. Upon special authorization of the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures, these species may be hunted for research purposes, when they pose dangers and, in circumstances of epidemics, for veterinary measures. They may be tracked down for museums, laboratories and zoos, for selection of wild fauna and population of other areas. Article 33 Physical and legal entities, national and foreign, while fishing, including in marine waters, may not hunt wild animals and fowl even on their own territories if not in possession of hunting permit. Article 34 In the lagoons and wetlands, within territories of hunting and fauna reservoirs, it is prohibited to carry out or engage in activities that may have an impact on the quality and nature of the ecosystem. Article 35 For purposes of protection of the wild fauna, the following are prohibited: 1. The hunting of wild animals and fowl, except for cases provided for by Article 32 and species included in the game list.
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. 2. Hunting in reproduction and capture zones, in fauna and natural reservoirs, in national forest parks, in parks and public gardens, in urban areas and any other zone where express prohibition is imposed. 3. The free circulation of street dogs and cats, domestic animals and hunting dogs in reservoirs (hunting dogs may be allowed only in cases prescribed in the regulations). 4. Hunting in the sea and the regions designated for the cultivation of fish. 5. Hunting by way of strolling in the zones cultivated with medicinal plants. 6. Hunting by way of driving, sailing vessels (except for specially designed boats) and flying craft. 7. Hunting in periods of ban, outside allowed calendar dates and without documentation. 8. Hunting with unauthorized relevant instruments, with instruments and methods that pose a threat to humans, animals and fowl, by means of fire, with readily flammable materials, with explosive and poisonous substances, pitfalls, with flashlights, with compressed air and gas and in the nighttime. 9. Hunting with the use of instruments and methods that cause massive killing and capture of wild animals and fowl such as traps, nets, baskets, dummies, voice appealing instruments, except for cases provided in the law. 10. Firing against perissodactyls (wild pig, etc.,) in less than 150 m distances in the direction of urban centers and hazardous objects (distance from these objects is calculated based on weapon’s maximum firing distance). 11. Carrying charged weapons while passing through urban centers (walking or driving) as well as transportation of charged weapons and holding of hunting weapons by unauthorized persons. 12. Capture of fowl at the time of bird molding, when they are cold frozen, and the capture of animals during flooding. 13. Destruction of nests, damage, collection and harvesting of eggs and newly borne, killing or ousting from burrows and extermination of animals in burrows except for cases recognized by law. 14. Capture or holding hostage without authorization from the forest authorities of wild animals or fowl at the time or reproduction or child rearing. 15. Killing and capture above lawful quotas with dogs other than hunting hounds and killing game by means other than weapons. 16. Damage and/or appropriation of surrounding fences, constructions destined for hunting, hunting places, boarding of any type, of watch towers and various cages and aviaries placed for birds. 17. Entrance and stationing of people, vehicles, animals, setting up camps, tents or similar objects in the hunting and fauna reservoirs and in reproduction zones expect in times and places prescribed by the forest authorities. 18. Grazing of animals in hunting and fauna reservoirs. 19. The burning of stubbles and dried grass inside reservoirs and in a radius of 500 m from the reservoirs. 20. Capture and collection without proper permission of snails and reptiles, turtles and frogs above permitted quantities and outside harvesting season.
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. Article 36 The Forest Service Police are entitled to request identification paper, to check hunting weapons and other hunting instruments, to check the captured game or fish in the hunting zones especially in such circumstances as violations of this law or relevant by-laws are detected or identified. Article 37 In circumstances of violation or breach of the provisions of this law and relevant bylaws employees of forest services, public order and/or local government employees compile a written report signed by the authority as described above, the violator and witnesses when witnesses there are. A special report is compiled with regard to weapons that are submitted to the relevant authority. The killed or captured game is confiscated and hunting weapons are sequestrated. CHAPTER VI ADMINISTRATIVE BREACHES Article 38 The following offences when not qualifying as criminal deeds will be punished as administrative breaches and fined as follows; a) Hunting without the proper annual permit and relevant authorization for game killing is fined from 25000 up to 50000 leeks and abrogation of the right to obtain a hunting permit for a period up to 3 years. In repeated cases, the hunting permit is withdrawn permanently. b) Hunting outside designated areas or in zones other than the designated ones is fined with 15000 up to 30000 leks. In repeated cases the annual hunting permit is revoked for periods up to five years. c) When holders of annual hunting permits refuse to show weapon permit and authorization for game killing to relevant authorities fines are administered ranging from 5000 up to 10000 leks. d) Killing or capturing above allowed limits when not declared properly to the competent authorities is fined from 8000 up to 15000 leks. e) The trading without permission of forest authorities, of wild animal skin or wild animals or fowls of any species, even though they are included in the hunting nomenclature, is fined from 50000 up to 80000 leks and the confiscation of game. In circumstances when the hunter is an Albanian national, his hunting permit is permanently revoked. f) The killing, trading or raising of birds of the kind of canaries in numbers above 3, is fined with up to 3000 leks. g) Collection of snails, reptiles and natural frogs without permission of forest authorities outside the designated season and above lawful quantities is fined from 5000 up to 8000 leks. h) Hunting without paying taxes and tariffs as provided by laws is subject to fine up to 15000 leks.
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave. i) The capture of wild fowl at the time of molding, in freezing weather and in major flooding is fined from 8000 up to 15000 leks. j) Destruction of nests, damage or collection of eggs or newborns is fined from 2000 up to 4000 leks. k) The entrance or stationing of humans, animals, vehicles, the setting up of camping places, tents and similar structures, the building of various facilities in the fauna and hunting reservoirs with relevant permits and authorizations is fined up to 50000 leks and the immediate removal and/or destruction of facilities. The violator is obligated to bear the costs of restituting the environment to its previous condition. i) Cattle and animal grazing in the hunting or fauna reservoirs is fined up to 8000 leks. m) Individuals or hunters caught in hunting zones with unmatriculated dogs and without proper authorization from the forest authorities are fined up to 1000 leks; In cases of being caught outside the designated hunting season they are fined up to 10000 leks and if caught in fauna or hunting reservoirs they are fined up to 30000 leks. Article 39 The review of administrative breaches is the attribute of commissions comprised of no less than 3 persons at the directorate of forest service at region level. The Directors of such directorates nominate the members of such commissions. Appeals against punishment may be instituted within 5 days from the day of its effectuation at local courts. The decision of such courts is irrevocable. Article 40 The execution of punishment is subject to the law “On administrative breaches”. Article 41 The Ministry of education, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ministry of Health and Environmental protection and the Academy of Sciences are responsible for incorporating in school curricula basic knowledge on protection of the environment in general and fauna in particular. Albanian Radio and Television and other mass media, in the context of the overall national program, are required to increase public awareness on environment and fauna protection by broadcasting specially designed programs. Non Governmental Organizations, including the hunters and fishers organizations are required to make their contribution to the education of their members on environment and wild fauna protection in the Republic of Albania. Article 42 Sub laws to make this law implementable will be drafted by the Minister of Agriculture up proposals received from the General Directorate of Forests and Pastures. Article 43 Decree no. 5607, dated 30.06.1977 “On the hunting economy” and every other provision that may conflict with this law is hereby withdrawn.
Ky akt është përkthyer nga Ministria e Mjedisit, Pyjeve dhe Administrimit të Ujërave.
Article 44 This law enters into force 15 days after its publication in the Official Journal. Ratified by Decree no. 983, dated 13. 12. 1994 of the President of the Republic of Albania, Sali Berisha.