Pakistan Enforces Ban on Illegal Lion Ownership Following Attacks

In response to a harrowing incident in Lahore where a pet lion mauled a woman and two young children, Pakistani authorities have initiated a crackdown on illegal ownership of exotic animals. The attack, which left the victims with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, has ignited public outrage and prompted swift action from the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department. Police reports indicate that the owners of the lion have been arrested, and the government has confiscated at least 18 lions kept illegally in the province following the incident that occurred last week.

This incident highlights a growing concern regarding the proliferation of exotic pets in Pakistan, particularly big cats, which have become increasingly popular as status symbols over the past decade. Hira Jaleel, a visiting assistant professor at the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis and Clark Law School, emphasizes that illegal ownership of wildlife is rampant. According to her, "I have friends who tell me about seeing lions looking out from people's windows or being walked like dogs in the streets of Lahore."

The Punjab Wildlife department has reported that there are currently 584 lions and tigers in private homes and breeding facilities across the province. These animals often face dire welfare conditions, being declawed and sedated to be kept as 'harmless' pets. Jaleel notes, "The practice of declawing is not only painful but often leads to increased aggression, which contradicts the purpose of keeping these animals as pets."

The social media landscape has also played a significant role in the rise of exotic pet ownership. Influencers have showcased big cats as symbols of luxury, further perpetuating this dangerous trend. Rab Nawaz, senior director of conservation at WWF Pakistan, stated, "The role of influencers in advocating against illegal ownership cannot be underestimated. If the public understands the reality behind these exotic pets, they are less likely to support this practice."

Historically, big cat ownership has been intertwined with political symbolism in Pakistan, particularly with the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) party, which uses a tiger as its electoral symbol. Political rallies have seen lions and tigers paraded as displays of allegiance to the ruling party, contributing to the normalization of such ownership.

In response to the growing crisis, the Punjab government has introduced new regulations requiring individuals to obtain a license for keeping big cats, which includes stipulations regarding cage size. The penalties for illegal ownership can reach up to seven years in prison. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge, given the patchwork of provincial laws that allow for varying degrees of exotic pet ownership. Jaleel pointed out, "The wildlife department is best positioned to regulate these animals, but they lack the legal authority to enforce meaningful change."

The issue of rehoming confiscated lions remains a complex challenge, as African lions are not native to the region and cannot be released into the wild. Currently, many confiscated lions are sent to zoos and safari parks, which are already grappling with an influx of exotic animals. With public awareness on the rise, the call for a more robust framework to manage wildlife ownership in Pakistan is becoming increasingly urgent. As Jaleel states, "The situation has escalated to a point where decisive action is essential to prevent further harm to both humans and these majestic animals."

As the crackdown continues, stakeholders hope that a combination of regulatory changes, public education, and increased enforcement will lead to a decline in illegal lion ownership, ultimately enhancing the welfare of these animals and ensuring public safety.