Pet lion mauls eight-year-old child in Lahore as owner arrested

LAHORE: An eight-year-old boy lost his arm after being attacked by a pet lion at a private breeding farm in Lahore’s Sabzazar area, prompting police to arrest the accused and initiate legal action under multiple laws.

According to police, the child, identified as Wajid Ali, was playing near the lions when the attack occurred. Officials said the animal mauled the boy due to improper enclosures and negligence by the farm owners, resulting in severe injuries.

The DIG (Operations) took immediate notice of the incident and ordered strict action. Police said the lion’s owners initially attempted to conceal the incident, even misinforming doctors that the child’s hand had been caught in a machine. Despite this, police intervened promptly, arrested the accused and secured the premises.

The injured child was rushed to a private hospital, where he was placed on life support. Due to the severity of his injuries, doctors were forced to amputate the child’s arm to save his life. He was later shifted to Ganga Ram Hospital for further treatment.

A five-member medical board has been constituted to oversee the child’s care, comprising the head of surgery, two senior professors, the director of emergency and the head nurse. Medical Superintendent Dr Arif Iftikhar said the child had already undergone surgery and that his condition was currently stable. He assured that the best possible medical treatment would be provided.

Police said a case has been registered under the Wildlife Act and other relevant legal provisions. After the victim’s family reportedly refrained from pursuing legal action, police became the complainant themselves. Sources added that the accused attempted to settle the matter by offering financial assistance, but the investigation is continuing.

Authorities said the incident was the result of clear negligence and improper handling of a dangerous wild animal, warning that keeping such animals without adequate safeguards would not be tolerated.