Punjab Wildlife Rangers have launched a major crackdown against private owners of lions and tigers following repeated violations of wildlife laws and growing concerns over public safety.
The operation was initiated after the expiry of a government deadline given to private owners to improve housing conditions and ensure proper care and safety measures for captive wild animals. During a raid on Bedian Road in Lahore, wildlife officials recovered 20 lions and tigers being kept in substandard and unsafe conditions.
The crackdown comes in the wake of two separate lion attack incidents in Lahore within a single week, in which two children were injured. These incidents sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection and public safety regulations.
According to officials, the primary accused, identified as Fayyaz alias Faizi, along with three accomplices, was arrested after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against them. The suspects are accused of illegally keeping wild animals and endangering human lives.
Wildlife authorities said the recovered animals have been shifted to secure facilities where they will receive proper care and medical attention. Officials reiterated that keeping dangerous wild animals without proper authorization and safety arrangements is a serious offense.
Punjab Wildlife Rangers have warned that similar operations will continue across the province and urged citizens to report illegal possession of wild animals, emphasizing that public safety and animal welfare remain top priorities.