Wildlife Rangers in Lahore have arrested two persons involved in illegal trade in wild birds and initiated legal proceedings against them. In a separate operation, a stray deer was rescued near Shakargarh and released back into its natural habitat.
The operation in Lahore was performed under the supervision of Dr. Ghulam Rasool, Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger, Lahore Region. Wildlife personnel nabbed two dealers involved in illegal sale of various exotic and arboreal bird species. The birds were taken into protective custody and the suspects were charged with violations of the Wildlife Act, with further legal proceedings pending.
Meanwhile, in Shakargarh, a team led by Assistant Wildlife Warden Sialkot Muhammad Taimoor rescued a deer that had wandered away from its natural environment. The animal was medically examined and later released safely back into the wild.
Wildlife officials said both operations reflect ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade and ensure the protection of endangered species in Punjab.
Last month, the Punjab Wildlife Department arrested eight people involved in illegal hunting of rare and protected species, including the Indian pangolin, houbara ladder, partridge and wild boar. Six offenders were fined a total of Rs. 2.2 million, while First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against two others for further legal proceedings.
The recovered houbara bustard has been transferred to Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park for rehabilitation.
Read: Punjab announces partridge hunting season with strict rules
A team led by Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Bahawalpur, Syed Ali Usman Bukhari, conducted an operation in the Cholistan Public Wildlife Reserve where two individuals were caught red-handed while hunting houbara bustard. A live bird was recovered from their possession and a criminal case was registered against them at the local police station. The rescued bird was safely shifted to Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park until its full recovery.
Meanwhile, he tracked down and arrested three men after a video showing illegal hunting of wild boar with dogs went viral on social media. The offenders were fined Rs. 100,000 for the violation.
In another operation, Chakwal Wildlife Rangers arrested three hunters involved in illegal trapping of partridges and pangolins and imposed a fine of Rs. 120,000. All related matters were subsequently dealt with in accordance with the department’s procedures.
Officials from the Wildlife Department reaffirmed their commitment to strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws and urged the public to report any cases of illegal hunting or animal trafficking.
