Pakistani Authorities Intensify Crackdown, Forcing Big Cat Owners to Conceal Their Exotic Pets

The recent crackdown on illegal big cat ownership in Pakistan has gained momentum following a shocking incident where a pet lion attacked a woman and her two children in Lahore. Authorities have launched a series of regulations aimed at controlling the ownership of exotic animals, particularly big cats, which have long been symbols of status in the country. The new measures require owners to register their animals and limit the number of big cats they can keep, while also ensuring public access to their facilities. This initiative comes amid growing concerns about animal welfare and public safety.

Government Regulations on Big Cat Ownership

In response to increasing incidents involving big cats, the Pakistani government has introduced stringent regulations for private owners. Under the new rules, individuals must pay a one-time registration fee of 50,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately $176) for each big cat they own. Furthermore, owners are now limited to keeping a maximum of ten big cats, restricted to no more than two species. These facilities must also be accessible to the public, allowing for greater transparency and oversight. Violations of these regulations could result in hefty fines of up to 200,000 Pakistani rupees and, in severe cases, imprisonment for up to seven years. This crackdown aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the safety of the public and the welfare of the animals involved.

Impact on Big Cat Dealers

Fayyaz, a prominent dealer in big cats, has been significantly affected by these new regulations. Operating what is believed to be the largest private facility of its kind in Pakistan, he has sold cubs and breeding pairs for over a decade. Fayyaz insists that the animals in his care are happy and well-fed, despite the muddy conditions of their enclosures. However, the recent crackdown has forced him to reconsider his operations. Authorities have expressed dissatisfaction with the size of the cages and have given him three months to convert his facility into a licensed zoo. This shift in regulations is part of a broader effort to ensure that big cats are kept in environments that meet welfare standards.

Rescue Operations and Ongoing Concerns

Wildlife officials have been actively conducting raids to rescue big cats held illegally. In one recent operation, five lion cubs were discovered in a cage, prompting questions about the whereabouts of their parents. The owner of the facility was reportedly missing, leaving a caretaker to face questioning by authorities. The rescued cubs have been transferred to a public zoo in Lahore for medical checks, but officials worry that many more big cats remain unaccounted for. Estimates suggest that there could be hundreds, if not thousands, of undeclared big cats in Punjab alone. The director general of Wildlife & Parks, Mubeen Ellahi, indicated that the situation would take at least six months to address, as many owners may not voluntarily declare their animals.

Animal Welfare and Future Solutions

While the government’s crackdown on illegal big cat ownership is a step towards addressing public safety and animal welfare, animal rights advocates argue that more comprehensive solutions are needed. Activists like Altamush Saeed emphasize the importance of creating sanctuaries rather than zoos, advocating for better conditions for the animals and greater transparency regarding their treatment. They call for a systematic approach to the issue of privately owned big cats, rather than temporary fixes. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these new regulations will impact the future of big cat ownership in Pakistan and the welfare of the animals involved.

Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn