Crackdown on Big Cat Ownership in Pakistan After Escaping Lion Incident

Following a serious attack by a pet lion, Pakistan is implementing strict new laws regulating private ownership of big cats. Owners must comply with registration fees and limitations on the number of animals, while authorities fear many illegal big cats remain hidden.

The air at a farmhouse on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan, hints at an unusual presence; it is home to an astonishing 26 big cats, including lions and tigers, owned by local resident Fayyaz. "The animals are happy here," he claims, although one of the lions' aggressive roars suggests otherwise. Fayyaz has gained notoriety as one of the largest lion dealers in Pakistan, selling cubs and breeding pairs for over a decade. These majestic animals have long represented power and status in the country, and with the rise of social media, their ownership has surged, with lions even making appearances at events like weddings.

However, the incident of a pet lion escaping and attacking a woman and her two children has triggered a government crackdown on illegal ownership of big cats. New regulations require owners to pay a one-time registration fee of 50,000 Pakistani rupees ($176) per animal, limiting facilities to a maximum of ten big cats of two species. Noncompliance could lead to severe penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment.

Wildlife officials, acting on tips of illegal breeding, have conducted raids on properties harboring these big cats. During one such raid, officials discovered five lion cubs, left behind in muddy cages, and suspected their parents had been hidden away by the owner, who had vanished. The cubs have since been transported to a public zoo for medical assessments. Authorities believe there could be hundreds of undocumented big cats across Punjab.

Mubeen Ellahi, director general of Wildlife & Parks, warns that the task of cataloging these animals may take at least six months, as possibly 30-40% of lions in Punjab could remain undeclared. Additionally, the practice of inbreeding among big cats is a growing concern, with potential health implications that could lead to euthanasia for some of the animals.

Fayyaz has been given three months to adapt his facility to meet zoo standards, as officials express dissatisfaction with the current conditions of the cages. Meanwhile, animal rights advocates argue that simple adaptations into zoos are insufficient, calling for dedicated sanctuaries and systematic solutions to the ownership crisis. The push for transparency and better treatment of big cats continues, as many believe the current crackdown is only a temporary measure instead of a complete solution to the longstanding issues surrounding big cat ownership in Pakistan.