Punjab’s Bold Move: Regulating Private Ownership of Big Cats

In a significant step towards wildlife conservation and public safety, the Punjab government is tightening the reins on private ownership of dangerous wild animals, particularly big cats like lions, tigers, and leopards. This initiative is designed not only to control the domestic population of these majestic creatures but also to prevent any potential threat they might pose to the public.

As part of this phased regulatory effort, the government has announced a ban on the commercial sale and purchase of these species. “For the first time, we’re implementing a regulatory framework for managing private ownership of big cats,” said Mubeen Elahi, the Chief Wildlife Ranger of Punjab, during an exclusive interview with Express news. By imposing guidelines and enforcing accountability, the province aims to ensure that ownership of these animals is both responsible and safe.

Interestingly, owners have been given until May 2 to declare their big cats. So far, around 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have reported their stocks, with 40 of these facilities undergoing verification. Notably, these farms now have a month-long grace period to upgrade their facilities to meet the official guidelines. This includes ensuring adequate enclosure sizes and adhering to safety protocols.

While the government works to establish a regulated wildlife breeding system, it remains vigilant against illegal ownership. Recently, 18 big cats were confiscated from unregistered spaces, leading to the filing of seven FIRs and the arrest of eight individuals. Elahi emphasized that dangerous animals will not be allowed in urban areas, housing societies, or residential neighborhoods, reinforcing the notion that safety must always come first.

The phased approach to these regulations is clear. The first two phases involve declarations and verifications, followed by a complete ban on the trade of big cats, and ultimately, sterilization to curb uncontrolled breeding. A registration fee of Rs. 50,000 per big cat will be implemented, which requires annual renewals—ensuring ongoing compliance.

Wildlife conservationist Badr Munir, a former chairman of the Punjab Forestry & Wildlife Task Force, applauded the initiative. “Nowhere else in the world are dangerous animals kept as pets in neighborhoods,” he remarked, highlighting the bizarre status symbol this practice has become in Pakistan. People often flaunt their exotic pets on social media, creating a recipe for disaster when these animals escape or show aggression.

Munir advocates for the confinement of big cats strictly within zoos, wildlife parks, or properly registered breeding facilities. “These regulations must be enforced without exception to ensure public safety,” he stated.

Overall, Punjab’s regulatory campaign marks a significant shift in wildlife governance, prioritizing the safety of its citizens while respecting the lives of these incredible animals. For those interested in wildlife conservation or looking for ways to engage further, connect with communities dedicated to this cause. Exploring resources like Pro21st can offer valuable insights and opportunities to get involved in making a difference!

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