Punjab Wildlife Department Reveals 587 Big Cats Privately Owned Across Province

The Punjab Wildlife Department has issued an alarming report: 587 big wild cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, pumas, and jaguars, are being kept by private individuals across the province as exotic pets.

A province-wide verification campaign is now underway to ensure compliance with wildlife laws. The announcement followed an appeal that prompted a flood of declarations—particularly from urban centers like Lahore. However, officials noted numerous discrepancies in the submitted data.

Due to these inconsistencies, wildlife officers are now physically inspecting each facility before approving any registration. Recently, three unregistered big cats were confiscated in Gujranwala, highlighting the urgency of the effort.

Under current laws, owners must pay Rs 50,000 per animal for registration, with annual permit renewal required. Only certified breeding farms—featuring large open-air enclosures and routine veterinary checks—are allowed to house such animals. It is illegal to keep big cats in residential areas or densely populated neighborhoods.

“These actions are essential not only towards the safety of the masses but also towards safeguarding the health and dignity of these beautiful beasts,” said Junaid Alam, Deputy Director (Headquarters), Punjab Wildlife Department.

This initiative is part of a broader wildlife legislation reform, aimed at encouraging responsible animal ownership and public safety. Authorities have urged all exotic animal owners to complete registration immediately or face legal consequences, including confiscation.

The verification exercise is one of the initiatives in the larger scheme of resurgent wildlife legislation and responsible animal ownership.

These actions are essential not only towards the safety of the masses but also towards safeguarding the health and dignity of these beautiful beasts, Junaid Alam, Deputy Director (Headquarters) at the Punjab Wildlife Department stressed.

The department is requesting all owners to do the registration process as soon as possible.