Man accused of keeping nine lions at residence

RAWALPINDI:

The Wildlife Department has taken action against three individuals for keeping nine lions at a private residence in Jhatta Pyal, near Chak Beli Road within the jurisdiction of the Rawat Police Station.

A case has been registered against all three individuals for violating safety regulations. The accused allegedly kept the lions in an open area, restrained by chains rather than being housed in cages. Furthermore, a video which surfaced on social media shows one of the lions attacking an individual.

The case has been registered based on the complaint of Senior Wildlife Ranger Aamir Raza and the Tehsil In-charge for Rawalpindi. According to the FIR, accused Sohail Shaukat was keeping nine lions at his home, where they were left in an open space, only restrained by chains. The FIR noted that the lack of proper safety measures poses a grave threat to human life and security and could potentially lead to a major loss of life at any moment and that a video already shows the lions attacking an individual.

It further stated that keeping wild animals in chains under such unsuitable conditions constitutes animal cruelty; moreover, it appears that the rules, regulations and terms set forth by the Wildlife Department have also been violated.