Leopard Attack on Citizens: Sahala Police Register Case Against ‘Unidentified’ Owner

News Desk

Islamabad: The Islamabad police on Friday registered a case against an unidentified person for domesticating a leopard after it attacked some residents at a private house society in Islamabad on Thursday, police sources said.

According to the details, the case was registered at the Sahala police station under section 324 (attempt to commit murder) and 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animal) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

ملزم نے خطرناک جانور رکھ کر شہریوں کی زندگی کو خطرے میں ڈالا۔ ملزم کی تلاش جاری ہے، جلد گرفتار کرکے قانونی کارروائی کی جائے گی۔
2/2#ICTP #OPS

— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) February 17, 2023

Unknown individual domesticated the leopard and the accused put the lives of locals in jeopardy by keeping deadly animals, said Islamabad police, adding that “the search for the accused is going on and legal action will be taken after arresting him soon.”

A wild leopard broke into the home at Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase II. His presence in the area was made known to the relief organisation and the wildlife by the locals.

The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), Rescue 1122 and Capital Development Authority (CDA) took more than five hours to capture the leopard that injured several persons and panicked residents.

When efforts to restrain the leopard gained momentum, a wildlife department official was attacked, forcing the anti-terrorism police officers to shoot fire. A female wildlife officer had been attacked by the leopard, the police confirmed.

“She only survived because she was wearing a protective jacket,” they said, adding that the animal then entered a nearby house, where it was trapped in the basement.

Apparently there was a leopard on the loose in DHA Islamabad today… pic.twitter.com/x1y6SGEzVI

— اسریٰ (@freakonomist5) February 16, 2023

Three wildlife authorities in all had suffered injuries while trying to catch the leopard with traps.

The wildlife management board had instructed residents to stay away from the places where the leopard was present.

After a huge number of exotic mammals were smuggled in or bred in recent years, causing problems for wildlife officials, Pakistan last year banned the import of such animals.

Big cats are viewed as emblems of wealth and power in the country.

The Margalla Hills have been designated as a preservation zone in order to safeguard the local wild leopard population.