A pet lion sparked widespread panic in a residential neighborhood of Lahore, Pakistan, after it escaped from a home and chased a woman and her two young children down a busy street, local police confirmed on Friday. The frightening episode, captured on CCTV footage, shows the lion leaping over a wall before lunging at the unsuspecting family.
Terrifying Attack Caught on Camera
The incident occurred Thursday night, when the young lion broke free from its enclosure and charged at a woman carrying shopping bags, knocking her to the ground. As seen in the video, the animal then turned on her children—aged five and seven—scratching their faces and arms before residents rushed to help.
All three victims were hospitalized with injuries, but authorities confirmed they are not in critical condition.
Owners Reportedly “Amused”
In a disturbing detail, the children’s father claimed the lion’s owners appeared amused rather than alarmed as they emerged from the home during the attack. He alleged they made no immediate effort to stop the lion and instead seemed to watch the chaos unfold.
Swift Police Action
According to a police spokesperson, the suspects fled the scene with the lion after the attack but were tracked down and arrested within 12 hours. The lion, an 11-month-old male, was seized by authorities and transferred to a local wildlife park for proper care and containment.
Legal Action Underway
Police have arrested three men in connection with the attack. Investigations are ongoing, and officials are considering charges related to public endangerment and illegal animal handling.
This shocking incident comes amid growing concerns over the private ownership of exotic animals in Pakistan, where lions and other big cats are sometimes kept as status symbols.
