Wildlife dept seizes unlicensed lion in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Wildlife Department on Monday seized a lion from a vehicle parked near Chak Beli Road in Rawalpindi, after the owner failed to show a valid license.

According to officials, the lion was recovered from a vehicle on GT Road. It was being transported for a circus performance at a local mela.

The lion’s owner, identified as Fakhar Abbas, could not provide the required wildlife license, leading to legal action. The department imposed a fine of Rs60,000 on the owner for illegally keeping a dangerous animal.

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The lion has been shifted to a safe location, officials said, adding that keeping wild animals without a permit is strictly banned across Punjab.

Eighteen lions kept illegally as pets have been seized from various areas in  Punjab region during a targeted operation.

The extensive crackdown has begun after a lion escaped from a house in Lahore and attacked a woman and two children last month.

The Wildlife Department stressed that action will continue against individuals who violate animal safety laws.