LAHORE: The wildlife department has launched a major province-wide crackdown on those keeping lions without a license and recovered 13 lions from different cities.

According to a handout, inspections have been conducted at 22 locations in different areas of Punjab. So far, the wildlife department has taken 13 lions into custody.

Five individuals have been arrested and five FIRs have been registered.

In Lahore, four lions were recovered, four individuals arrested, one premises was sealed and three FIRs were registered.

In Gujranwala, four lions were confiscated, with one FIR currently under process.

In Faisalabad, two lions were taken into custody, one premises sealed, and one FIR was in progress. In Multan, three lions were recovered, one individual was arrested, and two FIRs were lodged.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated the illegal trade of wildlife was intolerable and that there would be no compromise on public safety.

She further emphasised that keeping lions illegally was not only a violation of the law but also posed a serious social threat.

The wildlife department urged the citizens to report any illegal lions by calling helpline 1107, enabling swift action.