The Punjab Wildlife Rangers seized on Tuesday a white tiger and an African lion cub in Faisalabad as part of an ongoing crackdown against the illegal possession of dangerous wild animals.
Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Dr Ghulam Rasool confirmed that the operation was carried out by the Faisalabad unit following a tip-off. The animals, both rare and exotic species, were being kept without the required legal permits.
The rescued white tiger has been relocated to Lahore Safari Zoo, while the lion cub is being moved to a secure facility. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Punjab Wildlife Act against those involved in the illegal possession.
Read: Punjab home to 587 privately owned big cats
Officials confirmed that over 20 lions, tigers and leopards have been recovered from various cities across Punjab since the crackdown began. These animals have been relocated to safe locations for proper care.
Punjab wildlife department officials seized 18 lions from various cities across the province. The officials arrested five individuals in connection with the illegal possession of these animals, registered five FIRs, and launched investigations into two additional cases.
Earlier, the Punjab government has announced new regulations to enforce the sterilisation of lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats. As part of a phased regulatory initiative, the government will also introduce a ban on the commercial sale and purchase of these species.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Punjab’s Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi said that, for the first time, the province is implementing a regulatory framework to govern the private ownership of big cats.
Owners were given the deadline of May 2 to declare their animals. As of now, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have declared their stocks, with verification currently underway. Till date, 40 of these facilities have been verified.
