LAHORE – A shocking incident in Lahore has once again highlighted the dangers of keeping a pet lion. The lion escaped its enclosure in the Bhaigewal area of Iqbal Town and attacked an eight-year-old girl.
The girl suffered serious injuries to her head and ears. She was rushed to Shaikh Zayed Hospital for immediate treatment. Fortunately, her injuries were not life-threatening.
The attack caused panic among local residents, who questioned the trend of keeping wild animals as pets. Police quickly arrested the lion’s owner and launched a thorough investigation. Authorities have promised strict legal action against anyone found negligent in handling dangerous animals.
This is not the first incident involving a pet lion in Lahore. Last year, a similar case occurred when a lion escaped its enclosure, chasing a woman and her two children down a busy street. CCTV footage showed the lion leaping over a wall, knocking the woman down, and clawing at her five- and seven-year-old children. All three were hospitalized but recovered from their injuries.
The father of the children said the lion’s owners appeared “amused” as the attack unfolded. Police arrested three men within 12 hours, and the 11-month-old lion was transferred to a wildlife park in good health.
Experts and authorities warn that exotic pets, especially big cats, pose serious safety risks. In Punjab, keeping animals like lions has become a status symbol. After a previous escape in December 2024, new regulations were introduced. These include mandatory licenses, bans on keeping big cats in residential areas, breeder fees, and minimum 10-acre farms for such animals.
Authorities urge the public to report illegal exotic pets and follow all legal requirements. They stress that keeping a pet lion is dangerous and can result in severe injuries or even fatalities if not properly controlled.
The recent attack has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of laws and public awareness campaigns to prevent future incidents involving pet lions and other wild animals in urban areas.
In other news read more about Six Policemen Arrested in Jacobabad Over Alleged Rape of Girl in Police Station
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in keeping wild animals as companions and the need for responsible ownership.
