Lion Confiscated from Feudal Lord’s Home in Gujar Khan

News Desk

Gujar Khan: The Punjab Wildlife Department has confiscated an African lion illegally kept at the residence of a feudal lord in Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi, in a significant raid that underscores the provincial government’s growing crackdown on the illegal ownership of exotic animals.

The operation was carried out in Gujar Khan’s Bewal area, where wildlife officials discovered a two-year-old lion being housed without a license.

The raid was led by Deputy Director Arfa Batool and Assistant Director Rizwana Aziz, with support from a police contingent from Kallar Syedan Police Station. Officials obtained a search warrant before conducting the raid.

A veterinarian on site administered a tranquilizer to sedate the lion, ensuring its safe removal. Authorities confirmed that legal action would be initiated against those responsible for keeping the animal.

According to officials, the property’s owners currently reside in the United Kingdom, while local workers and their families were present at the compound during the raid.

This incident is part of a broader provincial crackdown following a recent lion attack in Lahore, where a lion kept without a permit injured a woman and two children. The victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the lion was later transferred to a safari park. The owner was taken into custody.

In total, 18 lions have been seized across Punjab in recent weeks as wildlife officials intensify efforts to regulate the private ownership of big cats. The campaign includes inspections of 38 known lion and tiger breeding farms, with eight arrests already made. Authorities plan to inspect all such facilities by the end of the week.

Mubeen Elahi, Director General of the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department, stressed that under new regulations, it is illegal to own lions without proper licensing, cage standards, and adherence to safety protocols. Violators could face up to seven years in prison.

The rise in exotic pet ownership has been fueled by social media, where lions and tigers are often flaunted as status symbols. “Most people aren’t interested in breeding,” said Qaim Ali, a former lion owner. “They just want to show power and influence.” He added that he sold his lion after it attacked his nephew.

According to the wildlife department, there are currently 584 lions and tigers registered in homes and breeding farms across Punjab.

Additional input from Geo News website.