The Punjab government has launched a major crackdown on illegal lion ownership after a recent incident in Lahore, where a lion escaped and injured a woman and two children. The case raised serious concerns about public safety and the private keeping of wild animals.
In response, the Punjab Wildlife Department carried out inspections at 22 different places across the province. During the operation, authorities seized 13 lions and arrested five people involved in keeping these animals without permission.
In Lahore alone, four lions were taken into custody, and police registered cases against three individuals. Similar operations were carried out in cities like Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan. In these areas, more lions were confiscated, and illegal enclosures were sealed by the authorities.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb strongly criticized the private ownership of wild animals, saying it puts lives at risk and is against the law. She stated that lions and other dangerous animals should not be kept in residential areas or by untrained individuals.
She further added that the government will fully enforce wildlife protection laws and take strict action against violators. The minister also encouraged the public to report illegal wildlife ownership by calling the government’s helpline at 1107.
This move aims to protect both citizens and animals by ensuring that wild creatures are only kept in safe, legal, and properly managed environments. The government has made it clear that no one will be allowed to keep lions or other wild animals without proper permits and facilities.
