LAHORE: Authorities in Punjab have launched a province-wide crackdown on illegal lion keeping after a recent incident in Lahore where a lion escaped and injured three people, including a woman and children.
The incident took place in the Shah Di Khoi area of Lahore, where an African lion kept in a private enclosure without a licence jumped over a wall and entered a residential area, causing panic and injuring three residents. The lion was later captured and moved to a secure facility, while the owner was arrested by Punjab Wildlife Department officials with the help of local police.
In response, the Punjab government began an operation yesterday to curb illegal possession of wild animals. According to an official statement, inspections were carried out at 22 locations.
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In Lahore, four lions were seized and the premises were sealed. Legal cases have been registered against three individuals. In Gujranwala, four lions were recovered, while two were taken into custody in Faisalabad. Three more lions were found in Multan, where one person was arrested and a case registered.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that illegal wildlife trade is unacceptable and public safety will not be compromised. She urged citizens to report any illegal lion keeping by calling the government helpline at 1107.
