A province-wide crackdown has been launched across Punjab against the illegal keeping of lions in residential areas, resulting in the seizure of 13 lions and the arrest of five individuals, officials confirmed on Friday.
According to the Punjab Wildlife Department, the coordinated operation covered 22 locations throughout the province. During inspections, authorities recovered lions being unlawfully kept in private homes and registered criminal cases under wildlife protection laws.
Read More: Global Food Prices Rise Slightly in June
In Lahore, four lions were confiscated from various localities and four individuals were arrested. Gujranwala saw the recovery of four lions and the registration of one First Information Report (FIR), while two lions were seized in Faisalabad and one FIR was filed. Multan authorities found three lions kept in private residences, arrested one person, and registered two cases.
Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the illegal possession and trade of wild animals like lions pose a serious threat to public safety and are unacceptable. “This is a criminal offense and a societal danger. No one is above the law,” she stated, emphasizing that strict implementation of wildlife laws will be ensured.
Read More: Armed Forces Honour Kargil War Legend
She further added, “Under the government’s zero-tolerance policy, indiscriminate action is being taken across Punjab. There will be no compromise on public safety.”
The minister urged citizens to report any illegal wildlife possession by calling the official helpline 1107.
