African Lion Seized from Feudal Lord’s Residence in Punjab

The Punjab Wildlife Department has taken custody of an African lion from a local feudal lord’s property in Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi. The operation took place on Monday.

The confiscation occurred during a raid in the Bewal area of Gujar Khan. Authorities discovered that the two-year-old African lion was being held illegally on the feudal lord’s grounds.

Deputy Director Arfa Batool and Assistant Director Rizwana Aziz spearheaded the raid, acting on received intelligence. Officers from the Kallar Syedan Police Station provided support to the operation team.

Officials stated that they secured a search warrant from the local court before conducting the raid. A veterinarian was present to administer a tranquilizer, ensuring the safe transfer of the sedated animal.

The wildlife authority verified that a formal complaint would be filed at the local police station against the individual responsible for the unlawful possession of the lion.

According to officials, the lion’s proprietors are currently residing in the United Kingdom. The individual’s staff members and their families were present on the property during the raid.

In a separate series of actions, authorities in Punjab have seized 18 lions that were being kept unlawfully as domestic animals. This crackdown began after a lion escaped from a residence and injured a woman and two children, according to Reuters.

The woman sustained scratches and bruises, while the two children, ages five and seven, were admitted to the hospital following the incident last week. Wildlife officials confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening.

Mubeen Elahi, the director general of the provincial Wildlife and Parks Department, stated that the lion, which was being kept without proper authorization in a Lahore home, was taken into custody and relocated to a local safari park. Police later apprehended the owner.

The trend of keeping exotic animals as pets has been amplified by social media, where owners frequently showcase their animals as symbols of status.

“As per the revised regulations concerning the possession of large felines, individuals are prohibited from owning a lion without a license, adequate enclosure space, and adherence to established operational protocols,” Elahi stated.

Violators could face imprisonment for up to seven years.

In addition to the confiscation of the 18 animals, the authority conducted inspections of 38 lion and tiger breeding facilities and detained eight individuals for regulatory breaches, he said, adding that all facilities would undergo inspection by the end of the week.

There are currently 584 lions and tigers residing in private residences and breeding farms across Punjab, he confirmed.

“I am aware of numerous individuals who keep large felines as pets,” stated Qaim Ali, 30, who previously owned a lion but sold it after it attacked his nephew.

“The majority are not interested in breeding but maintain them as a representation of their influence and standing within the community.”