A man was arrested in Lahore for keeping an African lion illegally without a licence after the big cat escaped and ventured into a residential neighbourhood, said wildlife officials on Friday.
The Punjab Wildlife Department, with assistance from local police, carried out the arrest in the Shah Di Khoi area. The lion has since been safely relocated to a secure wildlife facility.
The escape, which occurred a day earlier, caused widespread panic and led to injuries to at least three residents, according to authorities. All victims received medical assistance and are in stable condition.
Lahore Deputy Chief Wildlife Officer Adnan Work confirmed that the individual had not obtained the required permit and had failed to meet safety regulations.
“Keeping wild animals in residential areas poses serious risks and strict action will be taken against such individuals,” he said.
The Wildlife Department has filed a case under the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act. Officials said unauthorised possession of dangerous wild animals is a non-bailable offence, carrying a penalty of up to seven years in prison and a fine of Rs5 million.
Senior Minister for Information and Environment Maryam Aurangzeb condemned the incident and announced a province-wide crackdown on illegal private ownership of exotic animals.
“We cannot allow anyone to jeopardise human lives. Enforcement of wildlife laws is a core part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s environmental protection agenda, and no leniency will be shown,” she said in a statement.
Authorities have urged the public to report illegal possession of lions, tigers, or other exotic wildlife by calling the Wildlife Helpline at 1107.
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