Punjab launches crackdown against illegally kept lions, 13 ‘big cats’ recovered

LAHORE: The Punjab government has initiated a major crackdown on the illegal keeping of lions and other dangerous animals across the province following a recent pet lion attack in Lahore, which left three injured.

Following the special instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab Wildlife Rangers have recovered 13 lions in the last 24 hours and arrested 5 people from different cities.

Furthermore, five cases have been registered, and two cases are under investigation.

The Wildlife Rangers conducted inspections at 22 different locations across the province. In Lahore, 4 lions were recovered, and 4 people were arrested, while one enclosure was sealed, and 3 cases were registered.

In Gujranwala, 4 lions were recovered, and one FIR is under process.

In Faisalabad, 2 lions were taken into custody, and one enclosure was sealed. In Multan, 3 lions were recovered, and 2 FIRs were registered.

According to officials, there are currently 587 “big cats” (lions, leopards, tigers, etc.) in Punjab. However, the actual number is believed to be much higher, with many animals being illegally kept in urban or rural areas.

Senior Minister for Information and Forests Marriyum Aurangzeb has warned that the illegal wildlife trade is intolerable and there will be no compromise on public safety.

She said that the illegal keeping of lions is not only a serious crime but also a social menace.

Marriyum Aurangzeb added that indiscriminate action will continue under the zero-tolerance policy, and strict implementation of wildlife laws will be ensured. “No one is above the law,” she said categorically.

The Wildlife Rangers have appealed to the public to immediately report any information about the illegal keeping of lions or other dangerous animals on helpline 1107 so that timely action can be taken.