The Punjab government has decided to revoke permission to keep pet lions and other wild cats across the province following a shocking incident in Lahore where a minor boy lost his arm in a lion attack. The decision was taken after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took immediate notice of the case and ordered strict action.
According to Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the chief minister intervened after an eight-year-old boy, identified as Wajid, was attacked by a pet lion at a farmhouse in the Sabzazar area of Lahore. This was the second lion attack in the city within just two days, raising serious concerns over public safety and illegal wildlife ownership.
Aurangzeb stated that CM Maryam Nawaz ordered stern legal action against the farmhouse owners for allegedly trying to hide the incident and providing misleading information to hospital authorities. She added that the chief minister expressed deep sympathy with the child and his parents and directed officials to ensure complete medical treatment for the victim.
Police officials confirmed that the suspects were arrested and a first information report was registered against them. The case includes charges of deliberate concealment, negligence, and the forced amputation of the child’s arm. Authorities also alleged that the farmhouse owner pressured the parents to present a false narrative about the incident.
Medical officials at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said the boy was critically injured, and doctors had no option but to amputate his arm to save his life. The hospital spokesperson later confirmed that the child’s condition has stabilized and he is now out of danger.
In response to the tragedy, the Punjab government has decided to remove the clause allowing private ownership of wild cats from the Punjab Wildlife Act. Officials said this move aims to prevent future incidents and ensure stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
The decision comes days after another lion attack in Lahore, where an eight-year-old girl was injured by a pet lioness in the Bhekewal Pind area. The animal was recovered, and its owners were also taken into custody.
