Punjab Wildlife Rangers grabbed a white tiger and an African lion cub in Faisalabad on Tuesday as part of a continuous crash against the illegal possession of dangerous wildlife.
Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Dr. Ghulam Rasool confirmed that the operation was performed by the Faisalabad device after a tip-off. The animals, both rare and exotic species, were held without the required legal permits.
The rescued white tiger has been moved to the Lahore Safari Zoo while Lion Cub is moved to a safe facility. Litigation has been initiated according to the Punjab Wildlife Act against those involved in the illegal possession.
Read: Punjab home to 587 privately owned large cats
Officials confirmed that over 20 lions, tigers and leopards have been recovered from different cities over Punjab since the crash began. These animals have been moved to safe locations for proper care.
Officials of the Punjab Wildlife Department seized 18 lions from different cities throughout the province. The officials arrested five persons in connection with the illegal possession of these animals, registered five FIR’s and launched investigations of two additional cases.
Previously, the Punjab government has announced new rules for enforcing the sterilization of lions, tigers, leopards and other big cats. As part of a phase legislative initiative, the government will also impose a ban on commercial sales and purchases of these species.
Talking to Express PakinomistPunjab’s head of wildlife ranger Mubeen Elahi said the province is implementing a regulatory framework for the first time to manage the private ownership of large cats.
Owners got the deadline for May 2 to declare their animals. From now on, 180 registered wildlife breeding holdings have declared their stocks at the moment verification. To date, 40 of these facilities have been verified.
