Action intensified against partridge poaching

Poacher fined Rs150,000 as patrols intensify across vulnerable zones in Attock

ATTOCK:

The Punjab Wildlife Department has intensified enforcement operations across the district to curb illegal hunting, with particular focus on the prohibited practice of night-time partridge hunting, official sources said on Wednesday.

The operation was supervised by Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Attock, Shahzaib Khurshid, who led field teams during night patrols in identified vulnerable hunting zones.

During a recent crackdown, the team apprehended an individual engaged in illegal night-time partridge hunting. A 12-bore shotgun used in the offence was seized. The accused was fined Rs110,000, while an additional penalty of Rs40,000 was imposed for the unlawful possession of a brown partridge, bringing the total recovery to Rs150,000 as compensation.

Sources said that hunting partridge at night, when the birds are resting in their natural habitat, constitutes a serious violation of wildlife laws and poses a significant threat to already declining bird populations.

The department has urged citizens to report incidents of illegal hunting through the Wildlife Helpline 1107. Informants providing verified information will be rewarded Rs10,000, with their identities kept strictly confidential.

Wldlife teams conducted extensive field inspections, including the verification of hunting permits, gun-dog licences, and etc. As many 306 hunting permits were issued, 205 partridge permits verified, 58 gun-dog licences examined and 89 vehicles searched.