Big Cat Crackdown Forces Owners to Hide Animals in Pakistan

In the wake of a pet lion's savage attack on a family, Pakistan is now clamping down on illegal big cat ownership. The regulations put in place are reshaping the dynamic of private ownership while raising concerns among animal rights advocates about the welfare of these majestic creatures.

The unsettling scent wafting from a farmhouse, just outside Lahore, hints at hidden secrets. Inside, Fayyaz boasts an astonishing collection of 26 lions, tigers, and their cubs - establishing himself as one of Pakistan’s most prominent big cat dealers. The heavy downpour has turned the space into a muddy landscape, but Fayyaz insists, “They are happy here.” However, the atmosphere changes instantaneously as one lion bellows, prompting Fayyaz to remark, “That one is aggressive; it's in his nature.”

For ten years, he has been breeding and selling big cats, a practice deeply rooted in Pakistan’s culture where exotic animals symbolize power and influence. The rise of social media platforms has only amplified the trend of owning big cats, turning these majestic beasts into props for extravagant weddings and lavish events.

However, following a shocking incident when a pet lion escaped and attacked a woman and her children, the Pakistani government has initiated a robust crackdown. The new legislation mandates a one-off registration fee of 50,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately $176) per animal, capping personal collections to 10 big cats from just two species, and requires that these facilities allow public access. Non-compliance could lead to fines up to 200,000 Pakistani rupees or imprisonment of up to seven years.

Elsewhere, wildlife officials discovered five lion cubs pacing in a dilapidated cage, raising questions about their parents' whereabouts. The search for their owner yielded no results as he evaded capture, leaving his caretaker to face the consequence. Wildlife rangers have since seized the cubs and transported them to Lahore's “Safari Zoo” for necessary medical evaluations.

Despite recent efforts, officials express concern that their measures merely touch the surface of a more extensive problem. "We're looking at hundreds, if not thousands, of undeclared big cats existing in Punjab alone," notes Mubeen Ellahi, director of Wildlife & Parks. He projects that as many as 30-40% of all lions may remain unregistered within the province.

Another looming issue is the frequent inbreeding among these creatures, which may pose life-threatening health problems, leading officials to contemplate the troubling decision of euthanizing some animals.

The authorities have given Fayyaz three months to reshape his breeding facility into a fully complying zoo. Past incidents, such as the shooting of another lion that escaped last December, highlight the urgent need for improved awareness and regulations regarding big cat ownership.

In response to the crackdown, animal rights groups demand the establishment of sanctuaries instead of zoos, advocating for improved conditions and transparency regarding the animals’ welfare. “A systematic solution is needed, not just stopgap measures,” urges Altamush Saeed, a voice for animal welfare in Pakistan.

As Fayyaz considers his next steps, the fate of big cats throughout the region hangs in the balance, with time running out for an effective resolution.