Wildlife Department Launches Campaign to Register Big Cats

The Punjab Wildlife Department has launched a declaration campaign to regulate the ownership of big cats, marking a first in the province’s history. The initiative, undertaken on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to ensure proper monitoring of lions, cheetahs, jaguars, and leopards.

In the first phase, individuals keeping big cats in Punjab have been given 30 days to declare their animals. According to a public notice issued by the department, owners must provide details such as the animal’s breed, age, number, and location.

The declaration process has been simplified through the introduction of the “PAAS App,” which can be downloaded from the Play Store.

Authorities have warned that failure to declare within the stipulated timeframe will result in strict action. Wildlife teams will assist owners in completing the process, after which the formal regulation of big cats in private ownership will commence. Officials believe the move will help address public safety concerns, improve animal welfare, and prevent illegal trade.

The Punjab government recently amended the 1974 Wildlife Act, adding big cats to Schedule II, making a licence mandatory for ownership. Keeping these animals without a licence is now a non-bailable offence, carrying penalties of up to seven years in prison and heavy fines. Unregistered animals will be seized.