10 surprising things that can get you in trouble in the UK

Seemingly bizarre things like singing an obscene song can land one in trouble with the law in the United Kingdom.

Theft, murder, drugs or even visa violation and other related immigration offences are not the only things that can get one on the wrong side of the law in the United Kingdom.

Several other seemingly bizarre things like singing an obscene song can equally land one in trouble with the law.

Here are 10 surprising, and somewhat bizarre things that can get one in trouble in the UK.

Under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, section 60 and for other districts - Town Police Clauses Act 1847, section 28, it is an offence to beat or shake any carpet rug or mat in any street in the Metropolitan Police District, although you are allowed to shake a doormat before 8am.  

Under the same section, it is an offence to keep a pigsty in front of your house.

 It is also illegal to erect a washing line across any street. 

It is illegal to sing any profane or obscene song or ballad in any street.

Don't think about wantonly ringing doorbells in the UK because it is illegal to wilfully and wantonly disturb people by ringing their doorbells or knocking at their doors.

A pub owner reserves the right NOT to sell a person alcohol if they're perceived to be drunk because under the Licensing Act 2003, section 140, it is an offence to allow disorderly conduct and under section 141 it is an offence to sell alcohol to an intoxicated person. It is also an offence for the keeper of a place of public resort to permit drunkenness in the house

An employer cannot give a (subjective) bad reference as this may constitute libel.

The Metropolitan Streets Act 1867 prohibits the driving or conducting of any cattle through any street between the hours of 10.00 in the morning and 7.00 in the evening (except with the permission of the Commissioner of Police). Failure to obey this can attract a fine of £200 (about N58,000) for each head of cattle.

It is illegal to eat Mute Swan unless you’re the Queen of Great Britain, this is because the Queen and two livery companies (Vitners and Dryers) own all the Mute Swans in England and only the Queen and her invited diners may actually eat them as can guests of St. John’s College Cambridge. There's also the fact that mute swans are protected under the wildlife and countryside act of 1981. Anyone found guilty of killing them faces a £5,000 (about N1.4 million) fine or up to 6 months in prison.

It is illegal to use a television in Britain without a license.