LAHORE: A judicial magistrate at Cantonment Courts on Wednesday released a man on bail, handing over his wild bear to the Punjab Wildlife Department.

A team of the department produced Muhammad Shahbaz, along with his bear, before the magistrate.

A state lawyer stated the man was arrested by the department from Shahdara area on charges of violating the Wildlife Act. He said no individual could possess bear under the law. He further said that the man used to earn his living by showing bear dance to the public.

On the other side, counsel for Shahbaz told the court that his client was not aware of the relevant laws. He asked the court to grant him bail.

The magistrate granted bail to Shahbaz but ordered handover of the confiscated bear to the department.