Authorities in Punjab have launched an intensive campaign to clamp down on illegal lion ownership, confiscating 13 big cats and arresting five individuals following inspections at 22 premises across the province. Led by the Punjab Wildlife Department, this operation aims to strictly enforce wildlife protection laws, addressing mounting concerns regarding public safety and animal welfare in residential areas.
In Lahore, wildlife officials have already seized four lions and apprehended four suspects. Officials also sealed one location and registered three First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals suspected of illegal lion possession. Authorities in Gujranwala similarly confiscated four lions, filed one FIR, and have stated that their investigations are currently ongoing.
In Faisalabad, two lions were seized during the operation, one premises was sealed, and one FIR was registered against those responsible. Meanwhile in Multan, authorities acted swiftly to confiscate three lions, arrested one individual, and lodged two separate FIRs. Officials noted that additional cases remain under active investigation, indicating that the crackdown will continue in the coming days.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the gravity of illegal lion ownership, highlighting it as both an infringement of wildlife regulations and a serious threat to local communities’ safety. “This is not just a legal issue—it’s a societal risk,” Aurangzeb asserted, pledging the government’s unwavering resolve to enforce wildlife laws strictly and without compromise.
The Punjab Wildlife Department has called upon the public to actively assist in curbing illegal lion ownership by reporting any suspected cases through the dedicated wildlife helpline at 1107. Authorities have assured swift and decisive action in response to credible public reports, underscoring their commitment to ending this dangerous practice.
The current enforcement initiative follows sustained warnings from wildlife experts, who have repeatedly voiced concern over the risks posed by keeping wild animals, particularly lions, in unregulated, domestic settings. Experts argue that such inappropriate environments endanger both animals and their surrounding communities. This intensive effort by the Punjab authorities is therefore being widely seen as a necessary and overdue measure aimed at restoring the rule of law and ensuring responsible animal stewardship.
As the campaign continues, the message from authorities remains clear: wild animals such as lions require safely regulated and controlled environments, not private residences or informal domestic settings.
