Wildlife rescue force to be set up: Marriyum

LAHORE: The Punjab government has ordered establishing a wildlife rescue force.

In the first phase, the rescue force will consist of trained staff, veterinary ambulances, doctors and rescue vehicles in Khanewal, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that a suite of directives to safeguard and conserve wildlife, have borne fruit.

She explained that legislation would be enacted regarding the capture of lions, leopards and wild cats under the Wildlife Act. Prior to the 10-day timeline for the combing operation against illegal possession of animals, continuous operations resulted in the recovery of 11 rare black bears from Sargodha, Nankana Sahib, Bahawalpur, Multan, Gujranwala and DG Khan, she added.

The minister disclosed that the search operations led to the rescue of 96 parrots, 20 monkeys, 85 sparrows, six pheasants, 35 partridges, 45 rosy starlings (Pastor roseus), and 25 peacocks from unlawful captivity.

Additionally, a Bengal tiger was intercepted while being transported from Lahore to Multan.

Those found keeping animals illegally were subject to arrest under the amended Wildlife Act of 1973, with fines amounting to Rs712,500 imposed on various offends.

She assured that the rescued animals would be temporarily housed in aviaries before being released back into their natural habitats, many of which were endangered.

Furthermore, educational lectures and seminars have been conducted in academic institutions to raise public awareness regarding wildlife protection and conservation efforts, she said.