LAHORE – A horrifying incident occurred in Lahore’s Johar Town area where a pet lion attacked three children playing in the streets.
Lahore police registered a case against the lion’s owner under serious criminal charges, including attempted murder and violations of the Punjab Wildlife Act.
According to the FIR filed at Johar Town Police Station by the father of the injured children, the attack occurred on Thursday, July 3, when big cat jumped over wall of a nearby property and pounced on the children. The wild animal used its claws and teeth to inflict injuries, leaving the children screaming in fear and pain.
The father alleges that the owner of the lion watched the scene unfold without intervening, and instead appeared to be enjoying the spectacle. After the attack, the lion returned to the compound, and the owner quickly fled the scene with the animal loaded onto a vehicle.
The Punjab Wildlife Department confirmed that the lion was being kept without a valid license or appropriate safety measures. Upon receiving reports of the incident, Wildlife Rangers promptly responded, apprehended the owner, and relocated the lion to a secure facility.
“Keeping a lion without a license and proper containment is a serious, non-bailable offense,” a spokesperson from the department said. “Under the new wildlife laws, offenders can face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 5 million.”
Authorities further stressed that exotic animals like lions require strict adherence to safety standards, including designated enclosures and official permits. The case has reignited public debate about the risks of keeping dangerous animals as pets in urban neighborhoods.
The injured children are currently receiving treatment, and their condition is reported to be stable.
