Pakistan's Big Cat Crackdown: Owners Adapt Amid New Regulations

Following an attack by a pet lion in Lahore, Pakistani authorities have enacted stricter rules on big cat ownership, prompting owners like Fayyaz, known for breeding and selling these animals, to reconsider their business. New regulations include registration fees, breeding limits, and public access requirements, with animal rights advocates demanding more humane solutions.

Big cat ownership in Pakistan is experiencing a monumental shift as authorities crack down on illegal breeding and ownership practices. Following a distressing incident in which a pet lion attacked a woman and her children, the government has implemented new regulations that have left many owners scrambling to comply.

The first indication of the changes can be sensed near a farmhouse on the outskirts of Lahore, the smell distinct against the common landscape. Inside resides Fayyaz, a fervent cat enthusiast who operates the largest privately-owned facility in the country. This site is home to 26 big cats, including lions and tigers, which Fayyaz believes lead happy lives despite the recent scrutiny of their conditions.

Historically, big cats in Pakistan represent power and social status, often showcased by affluent individuals and even taken to social events. However, times are changing as social media trends heighten ownership awareness, leading to more wild animals being kept as pets.

The new regulations stipulate a steep registration fee of 50,000 Pakistani rupees (about $176) per big cat, a breeding cap of two species per habitat, and mandates that facilities are open to public visitation. Non-compliance may lead to severe penalties, including large fines and potential prison sentences.

While authorities have begun inspections on properties suspected of illegal breeding, the response has been mixed. At one such property, officials discovered five cubs in a cage, with their whereabouts and the status of their parents shrouded in uncertainty. The situation underscores rampant issues within private ownership; even officials believe there may be hundreds, if not thousands, of unaccounted big cats lurking in Punjab’s shadows.

The director general of Wildlife & Parks, Mubeen Ellahi, acknowledges that the project to address illegal ownership will take considerable time and resources. He even warns that due to inbreeding practices, some animals may face grave health challenges, necessitating difficult decisions about their futures.

In light of the impending regulations, Fayyaz faces the daunting challenge of transforming his farm into a certified zoo within three months. Meanwhile, animal rights advocates are calling for enhanced standards, advocating for sanctuaries rather than simply converting private holdings into public zoos. They stress the urgent need for comprehensive action to ensure the welfare of these magnificent creatures, emphasizing that a superficial response will not suffice in addressing these escalating concerns.