Punjab Wildlife recovers 13 lions in crackdown after Lahore attack

The Punjab Wildlife Department has launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal ownership of lions, recovering 13 big cats and arresting five individuals in a series of 22 raids conducted across the province within just 24 hours.

The urgent operation was triggered by a disturbing incident in Lahore’s Johar Town, where a lion kept illegally at a farmhouse escaped and injured a woman and two children on Thursday night. Authorities arrested the lion’s owner, and the animal was taken into custody.

In response, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced a province-wide enforcement drive targeting unauthorized possession of exotic animals.

“Protecting human life is non-negotiable. Strict enforcement of wildlife laws is central to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s environmental agenda,” the minister stated, vowing zero tolerance for violators.

Read more: Lahore court orders Safari Park transfer for lion after attack on children

Raids and recoveries across Punjab:

Lahore: 4 lions recovered, 4 arrests made, 1 premises sealed, 3 FIRs filed

Gujranwala: 4 lions recovered

Faisalabad: 2 lions seized, 1 enclosure sealed

Multan: 3 lions recovered, 1 arrest, 2 FIRs registered

In addition to the lions, five other exotic animals, including tigers and cheetahs, were also confiscated.

A spokesperson for the wildlife department confirmed the raids were part of a larger crackdown aimed at ensuring public safety and curbing the illegal wildlife trade.

Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government's firm stance: “Illegal ownership of dangerous animals is a criminal act and a serious threat to public safety. This operation sends a clear message—no one is above the law.”