LAHORE: Punjab Wildlife Rangers have launched a province-wide crackdown on wildlife crimes, resulting in challans against 30 alleged offenders, recovery of nearly two dozen wild birds and fines totaling Rs919,000 against 27 people.
According to a spokesperson for Punjab Wildlife Rangers, authorities also seized 36 netting devices used for the illegal capture of quails and falcons, while cases were registered against two individuals.
In Chakwal, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Mirza Abid Hussain issued a challan to TikToker Eman Ali after she allegedly uploaded photographs of illegal hunting on social media. She was fined Rs90,000, according to the wildlife authorities.
During the operation, another individual was fined Rs30,000 for illegal quail hunting. Authorities also initiated legal proceedings against a person accused of illegally keeping 14 peafowls. The recovered peafowls were subsequently shifted to Jauharabad Wildlife Park.
In the Sahiwal region, Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Usman-ul-Hassan led operations conducted by wildlife teams in Okara and Pakpattan against illegal falcon and quail hunting.
Six people were challaned during the operation. A case was registered with a local police station against one alleged falcon hunter, while five alleged quail hunters were fined a combined Rs150,000 and their cases were settled.
The wildlife department said enforcement operations against illegal hunting and possession of protected wildlife are continuing across Punjab.
The department’s actions highlight ongoing efforts to curb unlawful hunting, protect wild species and enforce wildlife protection regulations across the province.