Punjab Bans Keeping Wild Animals as Pets, Introduces New Licensing and Housing Rules
There is a strict ban on posting videos or images of these wild animals on social media platforms like TikTok.

The Punjab government has enacted new regulations regarding the ownership of wild animals, specifically big cats.
These amendments to the Wildlife Act of 1974, approved by the Punjab cabinet, now make it illegal to keep lions, tigers, cheetahs, pumas, and jaguars as pets without a proper license. This decision aims to enhance wildlife protection and ensure responsible ownership of such animals.
Under the new regulations, individuals wishing to keep big cats must obtain a license from the Punjab Wildlife Department, which will cost PKR 50,000 (approximately $190) per animal. This step is intended to regulate and monitor the ownership of these potentially dangerous animals.
The regulations stipulate that these animals must be housed outside urban areas. Current owners of big cats residing within city limits are required to relocate their animals by a specified deadline or face legal consequences.
There is a strict ban on posting videos or images of these wild animals on social media platforms like TikTok. Violators of this rule will face legal action, as the government aims to prevent the exploitation and glamorization of keeping wild animals as pets.
The amendments are part of broader efforts to protect wildlife and prevent illegal trade and abuse. The government has also introduced measures to combat illegal logging and ensure sustainable management of forest resources.
These new regulations reflect a significant shift in wildlife management policy in Punjab, addressing both the growing trend of keeping exotic pets and the need for stricter conservation measures