23 caught for ‘illegal hunting’ in Gujranwala

Wildlife department launches campaign in Sialkot, Narowal against the practice

LAHORE:

Punjab Wildlife and Parks Director General Malik Sanaullah Khan launched a campaign in Sialkot and Narowal districts of Gujranwala region and arrested 23 persons allegedly involved in illegal hunting and trade of precious animals over the past month.

The teams of the wildlife department imposed Rs236,000 worth of fines in the two districts, stated a handout issue on Friday.

Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department on the direction of Punjab Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Shahid Zaman launched the campaign.

According to the officials, the team conducted raids in various areas of Sialkot region and arrested 12 people over illegal hunting of falcons, besides nabbing four illegal birds sellers, two illegal hunters of birds, two illegal sellers of deer. The team imposed Rs181,000 worth of fines in the Sialkot region.

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Similarly, the team of Narowal region arrested five suspects over illegal hunting of falcons and wildlife, and imposed Rs25,000 worth of fines.

The team recovered a lion from private ownership and shifted it to Safari Zoo besides imposing Rs10,000 worth of fines on the suspect involved.

Meanwhile, Multan Wildlife director general arrested two suspects over illegal selling of birds. Further investigation was under way.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2021.