Punjab bans private ownership, social media display of big cats 

LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has set minimum standards for keeping big cats, requiring owners to obtain a license, house them outside city limits, and refrain from displaying them on TikTok and other social media platforms. 

The new regulations were introduced during the 22nd meeting of the Punjab cabinet on Wednesday, which approved a four-point agenda of the forestry department, including the regulation of big cats under the Wildlife Act 1974. 

For the first time in Punjab, the keeping of big cats, including lions, cheetahs, tigers, pumas, and jaguars will be regulated by law. Previously, the absence of legal provisions allowed people to keep these animals in their homes. 

On Tuesday, the Punjab Assembly’s standing committee approved amendments to the Wildlife Act 1974, under which separate courts will be set up to deal with cases related to wildlife crimes, including animal cruelty, abuse, and illegal possession. 

With the cabinet’s approval, displaying big cats on TikTok and other social media platforms has been banned. Violators will face legal repercussions. 

The new law empowers the Wildlife Department as the issuing authority for possession licenses, with a fee of Rs50,000 per animal. 

A minimum standard has also been set for keeping these animals, and they must be housed outside city limits. Owners will be given time to relocate them accordingly. Those who fail to comply will face legal action, including FIRs. 

The cabinet also approved amendments to the Punjab Forest Transit Rules 2024, introducing strict measures to prevent the illegal transportation of forest products. Check posts will be set up at key locations, and forest officers will have the authority to shut down depots and impose fines for violations. 

Under the new Forest Depot Rules 2024, obtaining permission from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) will be mandatory for setting up depots. Owners will also be required to renew their registrations annually. Establishing sawmills or coal furnaces within five miles of a forest boundary will be prohibited. 

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To ensure the implementation of these regulations, a special squad will be formed. The outdated Depot Rules 2013 have been replaced with more comprehensive laws aimed at preventing illegal forest product transportation. 

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the new regulations align with an eco-friendly vision and will help in forest conservation. She emphasized that check posts would curb illegal transportation and that the Forest Rules 2024 would ensure transparency. The new laws, she added, guarantee long-term environmental protection.