Punjab Wildlife Department Cracks Down on Illegal Big Cat Ownership Across Province
At least 587 big cats—including lions, tigers, leopards, pumas, and jaguars—are being kept as exotic pets by private individuals in Punjab, sparking serious concerns and prompting action from the Punjab Wildlife Department.
Authorities have launched a province-wide verification campaign to validate ownership claims and enforce compliance with wildlife protection laws.
Surge in Declarations Raises Concerns
Following a public appeal urging citizens to declare ownership of wild predators, the department received a significant influx of submissions—particularly from urban centers like Lahore. However, many of these declarations have raised red flags.
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“There are numerous inconsistencies in the information submitted,” said Junaid Alam, Deputy Director (Headquarters) of the Punjab Wildlife Department. “District wildlife officers have been instructed to conduct on-site inspections before approving any registrations.”
Illegal Possession Poses Danger to Communities
This initiative comes amid growing alarm over the illegal possession of dangerous wildlife and the serious threat they pose to public safety. In a recent operation in Gujranwala, authorities seized three unregistered big cats.
Under current regulations:
- Owners must pay Rs. 50,000 per animal for registration.
- A yearly renewal is required.
- Only certified breeding farms meeting strict standards—including proper enclosures, open spaces, and veterinary care—are allowed to house big cats.
Keeping wild animals in residential or urban homes is strictly prohibited.
Ban on Social Media Videos with Exotic Animals
The department has also banned the filming of videos featuring big cats for platforms like TikTok, citing concerns for both public safety and animal welfare.
“These steps are essential not only to safeguard communities but also to uphold the dignity and health of these magnificent creatures,” Alam emphasized.
Call for Compliance
The Punjab Wildlife Department is urging all exotic animal owners to comply with registration procedures immediately to avoid legal penalties, including confiscation of animals.
