Leopard shot dead by farmhouse security guard

Dozens of owners suspected of keeping exotic animals

LAHORE:

A security guard at a farmhouse in Lahore's border area shot and killed a female leopard, while the Punjab Wildlife officials uncovered illegally kept animals and taxidermy trophies at another farmhouse.

The female leopard, along with her male companion, had escaped from a cage at the farmhouse two weeks earlier.

Sources reveal that local police were informed about the leopards' escape on the day it occurred, but the incident was allegedly concealed. However, the truth emerged after the female leopard was killed on Monday.

The male leopard had reportedly been recaptured the day after the escape but was allegedly relocated by the farmhouse owners to an undisclosed location.

The female leopard entered a farmhouse owned by Zubair Butt in the Thana Hair area, where a security guard fatally shot her. Upon receiving reports of the incident, the police informed wildlife authorities.

The Lahore region's Wildlife Department took possession of the deceased leopard and launched an investigation, revealing that the leopards had escaped from a farmhouse in the Thana Kahna area.

The farmhouse was found to house other illegally kept wild animals and trophies, including wildlife specimens, pythons, and geckos.

The department has initiated legal action against those responsible for the illegal wildlife activities.

Big cats, including lions, leopards, and other simi-lar species, are classified as protected animals under Punjab Wildlife regulations.

Their import, export, and breeding require a license issued by the department.

Additionally, strict guidelines are in place for keeping dangerous animals, including cage specifications and adequate space at farmhouses.

The incident has highlighted the growing trend of keeping exotic and wild animals at private farmhouses in Lahore, especially in areas like Bedian Road, Burki Road, Bund Road, and Wagah Road.

Dozens of farmhouses house wild animals for personal interest or breeding purposes.