SAHIWAL: The Farid Town police on Wednesday registered a formal case against an individual for maintaining a “mini zoo” containing four adult lions and two cubs without a legal license from the Wildlife Department. The facility was established within the Iris Resort on Madhali Road.
Political Connection and Ownership
Police sources revealed that the public resort is owned by Rana Amir Shahzad Tahir, a former Tehsil Nazim and a PTI candidate for NA-141 (Sahiwal) in the previous general election. The lions were reportedly being kept at the resort by an individual identified as Rana Saeed, who failed to produce the mandatory wildlife department documentation.
Regulatory Failure and Safety Concerns
The crackdown follows a broader initiative by the Punjab Wildlife Department, which had issued public notices in national newspapers as early as March 26, 2025, directing all big cat owners to secure proper licenses.
Inspection Report: On January 25, a specialized wildlife team inspected the premises and officially declared the facility a threat to public safety.
Prior Knowledge: Despite the recent case, sources suggest the mini zoo had been operational for nearly two years, allegedly within the knowledge of the local wildlife office.
Legal Charges and FIR Details
Acting on a complaint filed by Muhammad Zahid, Senior Wildlife Ranger Sahiwal, the police registered FIR No. 126/26. The charges include:
Section 289 of the PPC (Negligent conduct with respect to any animal).
Sections 10-A, 10-B, 5(1), and 9-(II) of the Punjab Wildlife Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management Act 1974.
Relevant clauses of the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Ordinance 1975.
Current Status: Although the Wildlife Department recommended sealing the resort’s mini zoo, no such action has been carried out yet. Police confirmed that no arrests have been made so far.
Official Silence
Efforts to obtain comments from Wildlife Assistant Director Sidra Shabir and other relevant officials remained unsuccessful, as their contact numbers were found to be switched off throughout the day.