Authorities in Lahore have arrested the owners of a pet lion that went on the attack, injuring a woman and her three young children, as the nation ramps up its efforts to combat illegal wildlife ownership.
Pet Lion Attack: Owners Arrested After Horrific Incident in Lahore
Pet Lion Attack: Owners Arrested After Horrific Incident in Lahore
Pet lion attacks leave three injured as authorities crack down on illegal wildlife ownership in Pakistan.
In a shocking turn of events, police in Pakistan apprehended the owners of a pet lion following a distressing incident where the wild animal attacked a woman and her three children in Lahore. CCTV footage captured the moment the lion sprang over a concrete barrier, launching an assault on the unsuspecting family as they walked down the street. Fortunately, the injured parties—two boys, aged five and seven, and their mother—are currently reported to be in stable condition despite suffering injuries to their arms and faces.
Authorities have charged the lion's owners with operating without the necessary permits and for their negligence that led to the animal’s escape. Following the attack, the lion has been rescued and relocated to a wildlife sanctuary for its safety and the safety of others.
Lions and other big cats are often showcased as a status symbol in Pakistan, with laws permitting their ownership, provided that individuals register them and pay a registration fee of 50,000 rupees (around $176, £129). However, regulations dictate that these animals should be housed outside city boundaries. This incident has intensified scrutiny of the ownership of exotic pets, particularly in Lahore, the second-most populated city in Pakistan.
Witnesses have expressed outrage and fear, noting that the lion's owners appeared to do nothing but watch as their pet attacked. The children's father voiced his distress over the lack of action from the owners during the chaotic scene, as onlookers fled in alarm while the family sought assistance.
In response to this and similar incidents, Punjab authorities have initiated a broader crackdown targeting illegal wildlife ownership, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of over a dozen lions in recent days. This follows a previous case involving a Pakistani influencer who faced legal repercussions for illegally owning a lion cub, highlighting growing concerns about animal welfare and public safety regarding exotic pets in the country.
Authorities have charged the lion's owners with operating without the necessary permits and for their negligence that led to the animal’s escape. Following the attack, the lion has been rescued and relocated to a wildlife sanctuary for its safety and the safety of others.
Lions and other big cats are often showcased as a status symbol in Pakistan, with laws permitting their ownership, provided that individuals register them and pay a registration fee of 50,000 rupees (around $176, £129). However, regulations dictate that these animals should be housed outside city boundaries. This incident has intensified scrutiny of the ownership of exotic pets, particularly in Lahore, the second-most populated city in Pakistan.
Witnesses have expressed outrage and fear, noting that the lion's owners appeared to do nothing but watch as their pet attacked. The children's father voiced his distress over the lack of action from the owners during the chaotic scene, as onlookers fled in alarm while the family sought assistance.
In response to this and similar incidents, Punjab authorities have initiated a broader crackdown targeting illegal wildlife ownership, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of over a dozen lions in recent days. This follows a previous case involving a Pakistani influencer who faced legal repercussions for illegally owning a lion cub, highlighting growing concerns about animal welfare and public safety regarding exotic pets in the country.
