Big cat owners hide their animals from Pakistan crackdown

Authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have initiated a widespread crackdown on individuals illegally keeping exotic big cats as pets. This aggressive enforcement action comes in the wake of a recent incident where a captive lion escaped its owner’s property, subsequently attacking a woman and two children. The escape prompted immediate and severe measures by the Punjab rangers, who have since launched a series of raids across the region targeting residences suspected of housing such dangerous animals. In response to the intensified efforts by law enforcement, many private owners of lions, tigers, and other large felines are reportedly taking steps to conceal their animals. This widespread effort to hide the big cats underscores the growing concern among owners regarding potential confiscation and legal repercussions. The crackdown highlights the ongoing challenges associated with the private ownership of wild animals and the public safety risks they pose when proper containment measures are not strictly adhered to.