What animals are illegal to eat?

Any animal that is on the endangered list is illegal to own or import in the UK without proper authorisation. There is also the 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals Act which makes it illegal to privately own several species such as primates, large carnivores, large or venomous reptiles and certain types of Spiders and scorpions.

In order to own and keep one of these animals, a special licence must be obtained, detailing the reasons which must not be "against the public interest". Special insurance is usually required and there are often spot-check inspections of premises to ensure any safety measures are suffficient to keep the geberal public protected.

Further to several high profile cases of deaths and mauling, four breeds of dog are also now subject to assessment to deem whether they are a risk to public safety.