The article outlines various types of meat that were once commonly consumed but are now illegal or heavily regulated in the United States due to conservation, safety, and ethical concerns. These include migratory birds like owls, protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; whales, protected by international and domestic laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act; shark fins, banned by the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act due to ecological harm; and sea turtles, whose consumption is outlawed under the Endangered Species Act. Other meats like horse are partially banned due to inspection restrictions, while animal lungs cannot be sold for human consumption under the “haggis ban.” Additionally, the consumption of bald and golden eagles, dogs and cats, seals, and bats is restricted or prohibited to protect species and uphold cultural values.

Exceptions exist primarily for Indigenous peoples who rely on some of these meats for subsistence and cultural practices, such as whale and seal hunting. The article highlights the balance between preserving endangered species and respecting traditional lifestyles, while also addressing public health and ethical considerations. Laws like the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act impose significant penalties for violations, reflecting evolving societal norms and conservation priorities in the U.S.