Authorities have launched a crackdown on illegal animal possession following an incident where a pet lion attacked a family, leading to several arrests and a call for stricter regulations.
Pet Lion Attack in Lahore Sparks Legal Crackdown on Exotic Animal Ownership
Pet Lion Attack in Lahore Sparks Legal Crackdown on Exotic Animal Ownership
Police in Pakistan arrest pet lion owners after their big cat injures a mother and her children in Lahore.
Police in Lahore, Pakistan, apprehended the owners of a pet lion after the animal unnervingly attacked a woman and her three children. CCTV footage captured the terrifying moment the lion jumped over a wall, pursuing the mother as witnesses fled in fear. Thankfully, the victims, including children aged five and seven, have since stabilized after sustaining injuries to their arms and faces.
The authorities have charged the owners with keeping a wild animal without the necessary license and negligence that resulted in the lion's escape. Following the incident, the lion was captured and relocated to a wildlife park for its safety.
In Pakistan, ownership of big cats such as lions or tigers can be a status symbol, provided owners pay a registration fee of 50,000 rupees (approximately $176) and house the animals outside city limits. However, the lion's owners reportedly did nothing as their pet mauled the family, provoking outrage from onlookers.
Due to this disturbing incident, Punjab officials have initiated a crackdown on illegal wildlife ownership, arresting five individuals and recovering 13 lions. Earlier this year, a prominent YouTuber was penalized for illegally possessing a lion cub, showcasing the growing concern regarding the ownership of exotic animals in the country.
