Pakistanis can officially keep lions, cheetahs and tigers at home after paying Rs 50,000 fee

People no longer need to visit zoos to watch lions, cheetahs or tigers. They can do so in the comfort of their homes just by paying a fee of Rs 50,000 after the country’s Cabinet passed an agenda about the Wildlife Act of 1974 that will allow citizens to keep big cats as pets at their homes.

Under the law, ownership of the five species of big cats – lions, cheetahs, tigers, pumas, and jaguars – has been regulated.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, “There had been no legislation for the past 70 years regarding the keeping of these animals, leading to their presence in homes. A strict ban has been imposed on displaying these animals on TikTok or other social media platforms. Violators will face legal action.”

The wildlife department will now issue possession licenses for these animals, with a fee of Rs. 50,000 per animal. Minimum standards for their care have been established, requiring them to be housed outside city limits. Owners will be given a deadline to relocate the animals, and failure to comply will result in legal action, including the filing of FIRs.

The amended Punjab Forest Transit Rules 2024 have laid down rules that have mandated the creation of checkpoints at several locations across Pakistan. The transportation of forest animals in the hours between sunset and sunrise has been declared illegal.

“The new rules aim to prevent illegal transportation of forest products, promote transparency, and protect forest resources. Prohibition of transportation after sunset is a significant step toward long-term environmental protection," Aurangzeb said.

The new regulations ban the establishment of sawmills or coal kilns within five miles of forest boundaries. To enforce these rules, a special squad will be formed, replacing the outdated Forest Depot Rules of 2013.