Surveillance footage released by Pakistani police on 4/7 shows a lion climbing over a wall, then pouncing on a woman walking down the street in Lahore, Punjab province. The woman fell to the ground. A man ran from the house and struck the lion with an object before chasing it away.
Police quoted a witness who said the animal then targeted his two children, ages 5 and 7, scratching their faces and hands. All three victims were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition.
The witness said that after emerging from their house, the lion's owners "appeared amused as the animal attacked pedestrians".
Police arrested three men in connection with the incident. "The suspects fled the scene with the lion. They were apprehended within 12 hours," the Lahore Deputy Inspector General’s office said.
The 11-month-old male lion has been seized and transferred to a wildlife park. Officials at the park report the animal appears to be healthy.
Keeping exotic animals, especially big cats, has long been a status symbol in Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province. In December 2024, another lion escaped in Lahore, causing panic before being shot by security personnel.
This incident prompted local authorities to enact new laws regulating the sale, breeding, and ownership of big cats. Current regulations require owners to obtain permits for animals prohibited in residential areas. Breeders face hefty fees, and breeding facilities must have a minimum area of approximately 40,000 m2.
Pham Giang (According to AFP)
