TikTok personality Rajab Butt has reiterated his conviction for holding a lion cub.
A wildlife officer had filed a complaint with a local magistrate in Lahore against Butt, who had admitted keeping the cub in violation of the laws.
The social media personality was arrested from his residence in Lahore following a raid conducted jointly by the Punjab Wildlife Department and the police last month.
@murtazaviews TikToker Rajab Butt was detained during a raid at his home after it was discovered that he had received the baby lion as a gift during his wedding. In addition, an illegal firearm was found in his possession. #RajabButt
♬ Intro Police – Kiko Dee
Authorities took action after a video emerged showing Butt receiving a newborn lion cub as a wedding gift, raising concerns about illegal wildlife possession.
According to the court’s decision, Rajab Butt will be required to perform community service under the supervision of a probation officer for one year. As part of his service, Butt will make vlogs discussing animal rights.
These vlogs will be uploaded monthly after receiving approval from the Department of Corrections, focusing on animal protection and rights.
The court also directed the Wildlife Department to provide Rajab Butt with all materials related to animal protection.
It was further emphasized that Butt must attend hearings if called by the correctional service. If the court’s instructions are not followed, a report will be submitted to the court.
In a statement, Rajab Butt acknowledged his mistake, saying: “I admit that the lion cub was found illegally in my possession. I did not realize that wild animals cannot be received as gifts. I now understand that it is inappropriate to keep wild animals under such circumstances I regret my actions and as a social media influencer I should focus on creating positive content and I was not authorized to keep the kid.Acknowledging my mistake I will volunteer community service through my social media platform and spread a positive message about wildlife rights that I leave myself at the mercy of the court.
