LAHORE – Confirmed by Taj Mohammad Shaikh, Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD)has ordered an inquiry into the presence of a wild animal i.e. lion atShahid Afridi’s home. Action will be taken against Afridi, if found guilty.
Shahid and his six year old were witnessed posing with an African lioninside their house with no barriers in between. Photos of the lion at theformer cricketer’s home went viral last week which erupted an uproar onsocial media.
Shahid defended himself saying that the lion did not belong to him and wasbrought to him by one of his fans.
The owner of the lion, Hassan Hussain told Images that the lion was broughtup by him and given to Shahid Afridi for recreation purposes. Hassanfurther clarified that he had obtained travel permit from SWD: “The lionremained chained during the visit.”
Adnan Khan (SWD official), has explained that Mr. Hussain possesses alicense for a private mini zoo and keeps animals at his house in PECHS. Hefurther said Mr. Hussain has an animal breeding farm in Mirpur Sakro. Mr.Adnan further said that transporting wild animals is risky and requiresspecial protocols, even if they are tamed.
“There is usually a distance of five to six feet between the visitors andthe iron bars of the lions’ cage to ensure safety of the visitors,” AdnanKhan added
He concluded his statement saying, “Suspension or revocation of Hassan’slicence is another possibility. In an extreme case, we can even confiscatethe animal.”