Will Punjab’s Digital Solution Help Prevent Wildlife Attacks?

News Desk

Lahore: In a move aimed at enhancing public safety and regulating exotic pet ownership, the Punjab Wildlife Department has launched a digital application to register privately owned wild animals. So far, 584 lions and tigers have been officially recorded on the platform.

According to senior officials from the department, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb the illegal keeping of dangerous wild animals and prevent incidents like the recent lion attack in Johar Town, Lahore, which left several women and children injured. In response to the attack, the government has also announced financial aid for the victims.

Acting on directives from the Chief Minister, the Wildlife Department has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed exotic animal owners. During recent operations, eight lions were confiscated from 22 separate locations. Five individuals were taken into custody for keeping lions without the required permits.

Officials believe the newly launched app will improve monitoring and enforcement, while also serving as a critical tool in preventing future wildlife attacks on humans. The crackdown and registration efforts also aim to bring long-overdue regulation to Pakistan’s booming but largely unregulated exotic pet trade.