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In a landmark move aimed at controlling the population of dangerous wild animals in private possession, the Punjab government has announced that it will enforce the sterilisation of lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats.
A ban on the commercial sale and purchase of these species will also be introduced as part of a phased regulatory initiative.
In an exclusive interview with Express News, the Chief Wildlife Ranger of Punjab, Mubeen Elahi, revealed that, for the first time, the province is implementing a regulatory framework to govern the private ownership of big cats.
Owners were given a deadline of May 2 to declare their animals. As of now, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have declared their stocks, with verification currently underway. To date, 40 of these facilities have been verified.
Registered breeding farms have been granted a one-month period to improve their facilities in line with official guidelines.
Meanwhile, enforcement against illegal possession continues: 18 big cats have been confiscated from unregistered premises, seven FIRs have been lodged, and eight individuals have been arrested.
Elahi further stated that under no circumstances will lions, tigers, or similar dangerous animals be allowed in urban areas, housing societies, or residential neighbourhoods.
Only wildlife breeding farms that develop proper housing infrastructure under the Punjab Wildlife Act will be permitted to keep big cats.
The SOPs clearly outline enclosure sizes, space requirements, and safety protocols. Additionally, a registration fee of Rs. 50,000 per big cat will be charged, with mandatory annual renewals.
The province's regulatory efforts are unfolding in four phases. After the declaration and verification phases (Phase 1 and 2), the third phase will see a complete ban on the trade of big cats, followed by Phase 4: sterilisation of lions, tigers, and leopards to prevent uncontrolled breeding.
Animals already seized have been relocated to facilities in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Bahawalpur.
Wildlife conservationist and former chairman of the Punjab Forestry & Wildlife Task Force, Badr Munir, praised the initiative, stating that nowhere in the world are dangerous animals kept as pets in residential homes.
“Unfortunately, in Pakistan, it has become a bizarre status symbol—people drive around with big cats, make TikTok videos, and then panic when one escapes or attacks.”
Munir emphasised that big cats should be confined strictly to zoos, wildlife parks, or registered breeding facilities.
“Dangerous animals must never be allowed in populated neighbourhoods. The new regulations introduced by Punjab Wildlife must be enforced without exception.”
This sweeping regulatory campaign is part of Punjab's broader efforts to strengthen wildlife governance and ensure public safety.
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