Law tweaks okayed to protect big cats

The Punjab cabinet has approved amendments to the Department of Forests and Wildlife regulations, marking a crucial step in the conservation of big cats and the protection of forest resources.

Under the new amendments, lions, cheetahs, tigers, pumas and jaguars have been added to Schedule II of the Wildlife Act 1974, making it illegal to keep these animals as pets.

From now on, a licence will be required to maintain these big cats in breeding farms, with the Punjab Wildlife Department overseeing the licencing process.

The fee for keeping one big cat will be set at Rs50,000.

Additionally, specific requirements regarding cage sizes and open areas for these animals have been established.

To prevent exploitation, the promotion of big cats on platforms like TikTok and other social media will be banned, with violators facing legal repercussions.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that big cats will not be permitted in urban areas under any circumstances, although they can be kept outside city limits.

Owners will be granted a period to relocate their animals, after which legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply.

The cabinet also introduced amendments to the Punjab Forest Transit Rules 2024, which will establish checkpoints at strategic locations to combat illegal logging.

The transportation of forest produce between sunset and sunrise will be deemed illegal, and forest officers will have the authority to close depots and impose fines for any violations.