Big cats sell fast on Facebook

Some of these transactions take place without official permit from the wildlife department

LAHORE:

Social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, particularly Facebook. Not only is the social networking site being used for the exchange of ideas, but also for services and businesses. One such business that is taking users of the site by surprise is the growing sale of rare animals. According to details gathered by the Express Tribune, the prominent social media platform that has more than 2.6 billion monthly active users, seems to be an emerging marketplace for almost everything, including rare animals such as tigers and other big cats.

While most of these vendors are authorized to raise and sell these animals, there are dozens that are not permitted to conduct such transactions by the provincial wildlife department. “There is no legal restriction on raising lions and tigers, but the concerned individuals must seek license from the department,” said Tanveer Ahmed Janjua, who serves as the District Wildlife Officer. Rules related to raising such animals, Janjua explained, need to be followed. “A particular cage is required, and these individuals must have dedicated space to keep such animals.” The officer said the department does not allow anyone to keep such animals without inspection and proof of purchase.

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Interestingly, while the department talks about stringent rules, there are many across Punjab, who are conducting the sale of such animals. An independent assessment revealed the trend of breeding animals has increased significantly across the province. However, many of these breeding facilities are not permitted to conduct such transactions by the provincial authorities. Details gathered by the Express Tribune show that Lahore alone has 47 breeding farms. “The number of registered farms has increased from 18 to 47 in the past two years alone,” claimed one wildlife expert. The department said it regularly carries out raids and inspections. “All animals that are purchased through illegal sellers are taken into custody,” said Janjua. A hefty penalty, he said, is imposed on individuals who have purchased animals through illegal channels.

Sale on social media

Talking to the Express Tribune, Rana Muhammad Naeem, a representative of Lahore’s breeders association, said social media has helped all registered sellers. Each animal that is sold, Naeem said, has to be documented. “The record is presented before the wildlife department on a quarterly basis,” said Naeem, who has owned a registered breeding centre since 2017. 

Conditions

According to Badar Munir, Honorary Game Warden of Punjab, ordinary pets and birds can be kept at home, but lions and tigers require proper arrangements. “These are dangerous animals, and they should be kept in special breeding centres with the required arrangements.” Rights experts also had some reservations about the illegal trade of endangered or rare animals through Facebook and other platforms. “If the trade is illegal, you can imagine the conditions they are kept in,” said one expert, who was perturbed by the manner in which these animals are caged.