The Punjab Wildlife Department has intensified operations against illegal wildlife trade and hunting across the province. Meanwhile, officials rescued two white lion cubs, imposed fines on offenders and stopped an illegal partridge-fighting tournament.
White Lion Cubs Rescued During Lahore Operation
Wildlife officials recovered a pair of white lion cubs from Lahore’s Kahna area. Subsequently, authorities transferred the cubs to the Safari Zoo for proper care.
According to a department spokesperson, the crackdown also targeted illegal wildlife trade in other districts. In Multan, officials fined a man Rs50,000 for allegedly trading exotic birds illegally.
Meanwhile, authorities arrested another suspect in Rajanpur for the illegal hunting of doves. The department imposed a fine of Rs15,000 during the operation.
Overall, officials recovered Rs65,000 in fines from two offenders during operations in Lahore, Multan and Rajanpur.
Wildlife Rangers Expand Enforcement Across Punjab
In Mianwali, Wildlife Rangers intervened to stop an illegal partridge-fighting tournament before it could proceed. Furthermore, the department said enforcement operations against wildlife offences will continue across Punjab.
Last year, the Punjab government imposed a complete ban on keeping lions, tigers, pumas, leopards and jaguars in private homes. Additionally, authorities established special courts to hear wildlife-related cases.
Under the Wildlife Act, offenders may face fines ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs5 million. Moreover, violators can receive prison sentences between five and seven years.
Officials said the latest operations reflect continued efforts to curb illegal wildlife activities and strengthen the protection of endangered animals throughout Punjab.
