A shocking incident unfolded at a private farmhouse in Lahore’s upscale Johar Town neighborhood on Thursday when a pet lion viciously attacked a family, leaving two children critically injured and a woman wounded. The attack has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns over the legality and safety of keeping wild animals as pets in residential areas.

The Attack

According to police officials, the lion, which was kept as a pet by the farmhouse owner, suddenly turned on the family members present at the property. The two children, whose identities have not yet been disclosed, sustained severe injuries and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. A woman, also among the victims, suffered wounds but is reported to be in stable condition.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with family members and staff struggling to control the enraged animal before help arrived. Local authorities were called to the scene, and wildlife officials were also summoned to assist in securing the lion.

Legal and Safety Concerns

The incident has reignited the debate over the legality of keeping wild animals as pets in Pakistan. While exotic pet ownership is not uncommon among the wealthy elite, it often violates wildlife protection laws. Punjab’s wildlife department has strict regulations prohibiting the private ownership of dangerous animals like lions, leopards, and other big cats without proper permits and facilities.

Authorities are now investigating whether the farmhouse owner had obtained the necessary permissions to keep the lion. If found in violation, the owner could face legal action, including fines and potential imprisonment.

Public Outrage and Calls for Stricter Laws

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from animal rights activists and the general public. Many have expressed anger over the irresponsible ownership of wild animals, which not only endangers human lives but also subjects the animals to unnatural and often cruel living conditions.

“Wild animals belong in their natural habitats or properly regulated sanctuaries, not in private homes where they pose a threat to people,” said a spokesperson for a local wildlife conservation group. “This incident could have been avoided if the law had been strictly enforced.”

Previous Incidents

This is not the first time a wild animal kept as a pet has caused harm in Pakistan. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of exotic pets escaping or attacking their owners or bystanders. In 2020, a pet lion mauled its owner to death in Sheikhupura, while in 2022, a viral video showed a cheetah roaming freely in a Karachi neighborhood, causing panic among residents.

Authorities’ Response

Following the latest attack, Punjab’s wildlife department has announced a crackdown on illegal exotic pet ownership. Teams have been formed to inspect private properties where wild animals are suspected to be kept unlawfully.

Meanwhile, the injured children remain in critical condition, and medical teams are working to stabilize them. The woman injured in the attack is expected to recover.

Conclusion

The Johar Town lion attack serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets. While authorities work to hold the owner accountable, the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws and greater public awareness about the risks involved in exotic pet ownership.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on the recovery of the victims and ensuring such a tragedy does not occur again. The incident has also prompted calls for a complete ban on the private ownership of dangerous animals to protect both human lives and wildlife welfare.