LHC seeks SOPs on keeping lions at private residences

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday sought Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from the Punjab Wildlife Department regarding the keeping of lions at private residences.

The direction came during the hearing of a petition seeking the return of two lions seized from a private home in Lahore.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, who presided over the proceedings, expressed concern over the growing trend of keeping wild animals, particularly lions, in residential areas across Punjab. During the hearing, the court asked the Wildlife Department to present the official SOPs governing the private keeping of lions and other wild species.

Justice Bajwa questioned officials about the number of lions currently housed in homes across Lahore.

A wildlife officer informed the court that around 184 lions are kept in private residences in Lahore alone.

The government counsel added that across Punjab, approximately 580 lions are owned by private citizens under issued licenses.

The court raised concerns over the monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, asking whether the department conducted regular inspections or patrolling to ensure compliance.

Referring to the petitioner's case, Justice Bajwa remarked, "Can two lions be kept in a five-marla house in a pigeon cage?" He noted that, by international standards, a single lion requires at least 22 marlas of open space for proper care and safety. In response, the wildlife officer said two lions may be kept in one enclosure if all prescribed conditions are met.