Punjab launches operation against illegal keeping of big cats
Photo: Reuters
The Punjab Wildlife Department has launched a sweeping crackdown against the illegal keeping of lions and other dangerous wild animals, following orders from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
In the past 24 hours, officials recovered 13 lions and arrested five individuals from different districts. Five First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered, with investigations ongoing in two additional cases, authorities said.
Wildlife rangers carried out inspections at 22 locations across the province. In Lahore, four lions were seized, four individuals were arrested, one premises was sealed, and three FIRs were registered.
In Gujranwala, four lions were recovered, with one case still under investigation. In Faisalabad, authorities confiscated two lions, sealed an enclosure, and registered one FIR. In Multan, three lions were recovered, one person was arrested, and two FIRs were filed.
Illegal Lion Kept in Lahore Uncovered — Swift Action by Wildlife Department
🔸Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb strongly condemned the incident. The injured individual has been shifted to the hospital and is receiving medical treatment.
🔸Wildlife Rangers promptly reached the… pic.twitter.com/zi2v0kcMuKWildlife officials estimate that approximately 587 big cats—including lions, leopards, and tigers are being kept in Punjab, though the actual number is likely higher, as many animals are held illegally without licences or safety measures.
Punjab Information and Forestry Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb warned that illegal wildlife trade and private possession of dangerous animals pose serious risks to public safety.
“Keeping lions without legal authorisation is not only a grave crime but a major societal risk,” Aurangzeb said. She reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy and vowed that enforcement actions would continue without exception. “No one is above the law,” she stated, adding that strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws would be ensured.
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The Punjab Wildlife Department has urged the public to report any illegal keeping of lions or other dangerous animals by calling the dedicated helpline at 1107.
In a separate incident a day earlier, a man was arrested in Lahore for illegally keeping an African lion without a licence after the animal escaped and wandered into a residential neighbourhood, wildlife officials said on Friday.
The Punjab Wildlife Department, assisted by local police, made the arrest in the Shah Di Khoi area. The lion was safely captured and relocated to a secure wildlife facility.
The escape caused widespread panic in the neighbourhood and left at least three residents injured, authorities said. All victims received medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.