Yes, keeping roadkill is legally permissible in the United Kingdom under strict conditions, primarily governed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. While the act of collecting deceased wildlife from roads is not explicitly prohibited, ownership transfers only if the animal is not protected under Schedule 5 or 9 of the former act. Local authorities retain discretion under The Environmental Protection Act 1990 to enforce disposal if the carcass poses public health risks. Recent 2026 guidance from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) emphasizes biosecurity compliance, particularly for species like badgers or deer, which may carry bovine tuberculosis.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in United Kingdom
- Protected Species Restrictions: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Schedule 5 and 9 list species (e.g., bats, otters, red squirrels) where possession—even of roadkill—is illegal without a license from Natural England or Natural Resources Wales.
- Biosecurity and Disease Controls: DEFRA’s 2026 Animal By-Products Regulations mandate carcass testing for notifiable diseases (e.g., TB in deer) before private retention. Unauthorized handling risks prosecution under The Animal Health Act 1981.
- Local Authority Discretion: Councils may require disposal via licensed waste carriers (Environmental Protection Act 1990) if the carcass obstructs highways or poses environmental hazards, as per Highways Act 1980 Section 149.