Punjab Wildlife recovers 13 lions in crackdown after Lahore attack

Punjab Wildlife recovers 13 lions in crackdown after Lahore attack

Raids were conducted across Punjab.
Punjab Wildlife recovers 13 lions in crackdown after Lahore attack

Web Desk

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6 Jul 2025

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.”

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