A Pakistani man suffered severe injuries after being attacked by a lion while attempting to film a TikTok video at a breeding farm in Punjab province. Muhammad Azeem, in his late 20s, entered the lion's cage without permission and approached the animal with his phone. The lion subsequently attacked, causing significant injuries to his face, shoulder, and arm.
The incident has prompted the Punjab Wildlife Department to take action against the farm owner, including the cancellation of their license. Keeping wild animals as pets is not uncommon in Pakistan, often seen as a status symbol by wealthy individuals.
The recent amendments to the Wildlife Act 1974 aim to regulate the ownership and management of wild animals, including a ban on keeping them in urban areas and filming videos with them. Violators face fines of up to PKR500,000 (£1450).
The trend of keeping wild animals as pets has been fueled by social media, with individuals seeking to increase their online presence. This practice raises concerns about animal safety and welfare, as well as public safety.
This incident follows a similar event in 2023 where a pet leopard escaped in Islamabad, causing panic and injuries before being captured.
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