Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the immediate revocation of legal permission to keep pet lions and other big cats across the province following two disturbing attacks in Lahore that left children seriously injured.
The decision marks a strict crackdown on the illegal and unsafe keeping of wild animals in urban neighbourhoods.
Sabzazar Attack Leaves Child Permanently Injured
In the first incident, an eight-year-old boy, Wajid Ali, was attacked by a pet lion in Lahore’s Sabzazar area last week. Police said the animal was kept in an improper enclosure, and the attack occurred due to the owner’s negligence.
Doctors were forced to amputate the child’s arm to save his life. Investigators also revealed that the owner initially tried to hide the incident by falsely claiming the injury was caused by a machine accident.
Second Incident Involves Lioness During Illegal Transport
In another case reported days later, a pet lioness attacked an eight-year-old girl in Lahore’s Bhekewal Pind area while being transported illegally in an auto-rickshaw. According to police, the animal became agitated during transport, broke free, and injured the child before it was brought under control.
Government Seizes Dozens of Big Cats, Arrests Owners
Following the chief minister’s directives, authorities have launched operations across Punjab and seized 59 big cats from different locations. At least 10 individuals have been arrested for violating wildlife laws and standard operating procedures for keeping dangerous animals. Officials say inspections of private farms and breeding sites are ongoing to prevent further risks to the public.
Court Sends Accused Breeders to Judicial Remand
A judicial magistrate has sent seven suspects, including a breeder identified as Fayaz alias Faizi, to judicial remand for keeping dangerous animals in residential areas. Police informed the court that further physical custody was not required at this stage, and the suspects will be produced again after completion of the remand period.
Support Announced for Victim and Continued Enforcement
CM Maryam Nawaz has also ordered that Wajid Ali be provided with a modern bionic arm as part of government assistance. Provincial authorities have vowed to maintain strict enforcement against illegal wildlife ownership, warning that no leniency will be shown in cases that threaten public safety.
