A pet lion was tragically shot dead in Lahore after it escaped from its enclosure in a residential area in Harbanspura and attacked three people. The lion managed to flee the compound and went to a nearby area, as captured in a viral video showing the animal leaping over a wall and sprinting down a road.
Unable to safely capture the lion, security personnel ultimately resorted to lethal force. The animal’s body, covered with a cloth, was later transported on a motorcycle loader, accompanied by security guards.
Authorities have detained Ali Adnan, the lion’s owner, and filed charges against him. This incident underscores the growing but controversial trend of keeping big cats as pets among affluent citizens. In a related event, YouTuber Rajab Butt was arrested for illegally possessing a lion cub and displaying firearms publicly.
یہ کوئی فلمی سین نہیں بلکہ لاہور ہربنس پورہ میں ڈیرے سے شیر بھاگاہے 🦁 __ شیر دھاڑیں مارتا ہوا بھاگتا رہا جس سے لوگوں میں خوف و حراس پھیل گیا ___ شیر کو سوسائٹی کے گارڈز نے گولیاں مار کر ہلاک کر دیا #Lions#mairahashmi pic.twitter.com/mpdwSFC3JX
— Maira Hashmi (@MairaHashmi7) December 21, 2024Police, along with the Wildlife Department, conducted a raid at Butt’s residence in the Chuhng area following reports of his unlawful possession of wildlife and firearms. The raid resulted in the seizure of the lion cub, which Butt had received as a wedding gift.
Read: IWMB Rescues Injured Leopard Cub in AJK, Names Her ‘Lucky
An FIR has been filed against Butt, who is now under police custody for further investigation. His opulent wedding, which featured extravagant displays of wealth, has drawn considerable criticism on social media.
These incidents highlight significant public safety risks and legal repercussions associated with the private ownership of exotic wildlife.
