LAHORE:
The Punjab government will enforce sterilisation of lions, tigers, leopards and other big cats in private possession to keep their population in check.
A ban on the commercial sale and purchase of the species will also be imposed as part of a phased regulation drive.
Provincial Chief Wildlife Ranger said while speaking to The Express Tribune that the provincial government would implement a regulatory framework to govern the private ownership of big cats. The owners had been given a deadline until May 2 to declare their animals. So far, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have declared their stocks and their verification is under way, during which 40 of the facilities have been verified.
Registered breeding farms have now been granted a month to improve their facilities in line with official guidelines. Meanwhile, enforcement against illegal possession continues with 20 big cats confiscated from unregistered premises, seven FIRs lodged and eight people arrested.
Elahi stated that under no circumstances would lions, tigers or similar dangerous animals be allowed in urban areas, housing societies or residential neighbourhoods. Only those wildlife breeding farms that develop proper housing infrastructure in accordance with the Punjab Wildlife Act will be permitted to keep big cats. SOPs clearly outline enclosure size, space requirements and safety protocols. Additionally, a registration fee of Rs50,000 per big cat will be charged, with mandatory annual renewal.
The provincial regulatory efforts are unfolding in four phases. After declaration and verification in Phase 1 and 2, the third phase will see a ban on the trade of big cats, followed by Phase 4 of sterilisation of lions, tigers and leopards to prevent uncontrolled breeding.
The seized animals have been relocated to facilities in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur.
Wildlife conservationist Badr Munir praised the initiative, stating that nowhere in the world are dangerous animals kept as pets in homes. “Unfortunately, in Pakistan it has become a bizarre status symbol — people drive around with big cats, make TikToks, and then panic when one escapes or attacks.”
He emphasised that big cats should be confined strictly to zoos, wildlife parks or registered breeding facilities. “Dangerous animals must never be allowed in populated neighbourhoods. The new regulations introduced by Punjab wildlife authorities must be enforced without exception.”
Meanwhile, Punjab Wildlife Rangers seized a white tiger and an African lion cub from Faisalabad.
According to Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Dr Ghulam Rasool, the operation was carried out by the Faisalabad unit following a tip-off. The animals, belonging to rare exotic species, were being kept without legal permits.
The rescued white tiger was shifted to Lahore Safari Zoo, while the lion cub would be relocated to another secure facility, officials said.
Legal proceedings were initiated under the Punjab Wildlife Act against those involved in illegally keeping the dangerous animals.
