In the sprawling outskirts of Lahore, a faint yet pungent odor signals something amiss at a farmhouse owned by Fayyaz, where 26 lions, tigers, and their cubs reside. Though Fayyaz expresses a fondness for his cats, declaring them content and unthreatening, his operations are now under scrutiny. As an influential player in Pakistan’s exotic animal trade, Fayyaz has dealt with big cats for the past decade, catering to a burgeoning clientele drawn to these powerful animals as status symbols.
The recent violent outburst by a pet lion, which attacked three people in Lahore, has prompted the government to enforce strict regulations aimed at curtailing ownership. New laws mandate a hefty registration fee for each animal and limit personal collections to two species, with a maximum of 10 individuals. Noncompliance can result in steep fines or even imprisonment for serious violators.
Wildlife officials are patrolling the region, responding to reports of owners operating without licenses. At one recent site, they discovered five lion cubs confined in unsuitable conditions, leading to questions about their parentage. The cubs have since been relocated for medical checks, as officials voice concerns about the scope of clandestine big cat ownership throughout Punjab.
Director General of Wildlife & Parks, Mubeen Ellahi, noted the challenge of bringing the situation under control, estimating that a significant number of existing illegal big cat ownership cases remain hidden. He also warns that the practice of inbreeding among these animals has led to numerous health issues, raising the difficult question of possible euthanasia for some.
As Fayyaz faces a tight deadline to convert his facility into a licensed zoo, animal rights advocates increasingly emphasize the need for rehabilitative sanctuaries in lieu of typical zoos. Activists argue that systemic solutions surpass makeshift fixes are essential to ensure the welfare of these majestic animals while protecting public safety—an opinion shared by many calling for significant reform in how Pakistan handles wildlife preservation.
