Amid the booming craze for pet big cats in Pakistan, including lions and tigers, the government has introduced new laws to regulate ownership, triggered by a frightening incident in Lahore where a pet lion attacked a woman and her children. Fayyaz, a well-known dealer of big cats, finds himself caught in this crackdown. He insists that his 26 lions and tigers are well cared for and happy at his facility on the outskirts of Lahore.
However, recent regulations require owners to pay hefty registration fees, limit the number of big cats they can keep, and open their facilities to public visits. The repercussions of non-compliance include steep fines and potential jail time. Wildlife officials are now actively raiding properties suspected of illegal breeding and ownership, aiming to uncover a hidden population of big cats across Punjab.
While some rescued cubs are being temporarily housed in animal control facilities for medical checks, many fear that the ongoing raids may not be sufficient to address the larger issue of inbreeding and poor living conditions. Fayyaz has been given a three-month deadline to convert his facility into a licensed zoo, much to the dismay of animal rights advocates who argue for humane sanctuaries instead.
As the government grapples with the influx of big cat ownership culture amplified by social media, the future of these majestic creatures remains uncertain, with many advocates calling for comprehensive policies to ensure their well-being.
However, recent regulations require owners to pay hefty registration fees, limit the number of big cats they can keep, and open their facilities to public visits. The repercussions of non-compliance include steep fines and potential jail time. Wildlife officials are now actively raiding properties suspected of illegal breeding and ownership, aiming to uncover a hidden population of big cats across Punjab.
While some rescued cubs are being temporarily housed in animal control facilities for medical checks, many fear that the ongoing raids may not be sufficient to address the larger issue of inbreeding and poor living conditions. Fayyaz has been given a three-month deadline to convert his facility into a licensed zoo, much to the dismay of animal rights advocates who argue for humane sanctuaries instead.
As the government grapples with the influx of big cat ownership culture amplified by social media, the future of these majestic creatures remains uncertain, with many advocates calling for comprehensive policies to ensure their well-being.
