Punjab Launches Crackdown on Illegal Lion Ownership After Lahore Attack; 13 Lions Seized, 5 Arrested

Punjab wildlife department arrests five people in large-scale crackdown on illegal wildlife possession

By DTD- On Jul 5, 2025

LAHORE: In a sweeping crackdown on illegal wildlife possession, the Punjab Wildlife Department has recovered 13 lions and arrested five individuals across the province, following a shocking incident in Lahore where a pet lion escaped and injured three people.

The province-wide operation, launched under the strict directive of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is being implemented with a zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful wildlife ownership. Inspections have been conducted at 22 locations since Friday morning, with ongoing raids in multiple districts.

The move follows a disturbing episode on Thursday night when an 11-month-old male lion escaped from a private residence in Lahore. CCTV footage captured the lion leaping over a wall and chasing a woman and two children through a busy neighborhood. The big cat clawed the arms and faces of the children — aged five and seven — and all three victims were hospitalized. Fortunately, they are reported to be in stable condition.

According to police, the suspects involved in harboring the lion fled the scene with the animal but were apprehended within 12 hours. The lion was later confiscated and transferred to a wildlife park.

Province-Wide Action Yields Results

Lahore: 4 lions recovered, 4 arrests made, 1 property sealed, and 3 FIRs registered.
Gujranwala: 4 lions recovered; 1 FIR under process.
Faisalabad: 2 lions recovered, 1 property sealed, 1 FIR nearing completion.
Multan: 3 lions recovered, 1 arrest made, 2 FIRs registered.

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb condemned the illegal trade and private keeping of wild animals, labeling it as “unacceptable and a serious threat to public safety.”

“Illegally keeping lions is not only a violation of the law but also a grave risk to society,” she stated. She further emphasized that the enforcement of wildlife protection laws will be strict and without exception.

The government has urged the public to report any instances of illegal wildlife possession by calling the Punjab Wildlife helpline at 1107.

The crackdown comes in light of growing concerns about the domestic possession of dangerous animals and reinforces the provincial government’s commitment to public safety and legal enforcement.