Wildlife officials have intensified their crackdown on illegal bird sellers under the leadership of Deputy Director of Wildlife, Lahore Region, Dr Ghulam Rasool Awan.
During the operation, two more bird sellers were arrested within the city limits of Lahore and hundreds of birds were rescued from their possession. This brings the total number of arrests in the last 24 hours to four.
The arrested individuals were hunting and selling harmless native birds such as sparrows, blackbirds and wagtails, an activity contributing to the endangerment of these species.
The Department of Wildlife has appealed to the public to avoid purchasing birds from these sellers to help save these innocent creatures. Additionally, citizens are encouraged to report any bird sellers by sharing their location with the Lahore Wildlife Department via WhatsApp.
The department has made a dedicated WhatsApp number available for this purpose, 03324108449. The authorities have urged the public to take responsibility and support this initiative aimed at ensuring the preservation of local bird species.
Meanwhile, YouTuber Rajab Butt was convicted for keeping a lion cub. A wildlife officer had filed a complaint with a local judicial magistrate in Lahore, against Rajab, who admitted to keeping the cub in violation of laws.
The social media personality was arrested from his residence in Lahore after a joint raid by the Punjab Wildlife Department and police last month.
According to the court’s decision, Rajab Butt will have to perform community service under the supervision of a probation officer for one year. As part of his service, Butt will create vlogs about animal rights.
These vlogs will be uploaded monthly after receiving approval from the probation officer, focusing on animal protection and rights. The court also asked the Wildlife Department to provide Rajab Butt with all documents related to animal protection.
It was further pointed out that Rajab must attend the hearings if summoned by the probation officer. If the court’s directions are not followed, a report will be made to the court.
