In March 2022, a pet lion got out of its cage in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. In one particularly alarming incident, it harassed a woman and two kids in a possible alleyway. A lion leapt over a wall and fled from an unlocked enclosure at an orchard in Johan Town home. Wildlife officials have recaptured the animal and moved it to safety. The attack has drawn attention to the illegal trade and keeping of wild animals in the region. As a result, police are now arresting the owners.
The entire drama played out a little after the lion escaped Thursday evening, with the cat literally jumping over the wall of a ranch house. Once in the alleyway, it preyed on a woman with her two young children, aged just 5 and 7 years old. Immediately after the sniper attack, emergency services rushed victims to Howard University Hospital where many received life-saving treatment. Fortunately, at the time of the collision, these injuries were not life-threatening.
Following the escape, zookeepers from his home zoo were able to tranquilize the lion and secure him inside an animal transportation vehicle. Due to the clamour raised by women’s rights activists, they later escaped to hiding in a different province to avoid punishment. On Wednesday, Lahore police acted quickly in arresting three men connected to the attack. This is the first time criminal proceedings have been initiated against them.
During the investigation, authorities disclosed that the lion’s owners did not possess a current license to own the exotic animal. This contravention constitutes a violation of their local wildlife code. Under the Wildlife Act, they would be liable for prosecution. Penalties can involve up to seven years in prison and up to $17,500 in fines.
“This unfortunate incident highlights how wild animals are often kept in such places without a license, or permission — with no legal procedures followed — endangering the lives of many people.” – Muhammad Faisal Kamran
The incident came amid a wider crackdown on people illegally keeping wild animals without a license across Punjab province. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly focusing on enforcing wildlife regulations to prevent such dangerous situations from arising in the future.
With this case still unfolding, public officials are urging the public to be more aware of wildlife laws. They work hard to protect their animals and their citizens. This ensures that this lion will be safe and cared for in the future.
