A disturbing incident unfolded on a busy street in Lahore, Pakistan, when a runaway pet lion attacked a woman and two children. Police statements and media footage confirmed the event, showing the lion, which had escaped its enclosure, leaping over a barrier and aggressively pursuing pedestrians on Thursday night. Surveillance video captured the 11-month-old male lion pouncing on a woman from behind, knocking her to the ground, while a child attempted to escape. The animal then proceeded to chase other bystanders, causing widespread panic.

According to a police report citing the children's father, the lion attacked his five and seven-year-old kids after injuring their mother, resulting in injuries to their arms and faces. While the victims received hospital treatment, their injuries were fortunately not life-threatening. The father's statement also alleged that the lion's owners seemed entertained by the harrowing attack on the pedestrians.

In response to the incident, police swiftly apprehended three individuals connected to the case on Friday. Authorities confirmed that the suspects were located and arrested within 12 hours of the event, despite initially departing with the lion. The animal itself was subsequently seized by authorities and safely transferred to a wildlife sanctuary, where staff confirmed its healthy condition.

This incident highlights a recurring issue in Pakistan's most populated province, Punjab, where keeping exotic animals, particularly large felines, has historically been a symbol of status and influence. A previous, more tragic event occurred in December 2024 in another Lahore district, where a security guard fatally shot an adult lion that had escaped its enclosure, causing widespread alarm among residents. This earlier incident prompted the provincial administration to implement new regulations governing the trade, purchase, breeding, and ownership of large cats.

Current regulations in Punjab mandate that owners obtain proper licenses for these animals, strictly prohibiting their presence in residential zones. Additionally, breeders are now required to pay substantial registration fees, and farms housing such animals must occupy a minimum of 10 acres of land. These measures aim to enhance public safety and ensure responsible ownership of exotic and potentially dangerous animals.