Wild animals in circuses in Pakistan languish in dirty and cramped cages. Though dangerous and predatory animals are being used in the shows, including African lions, no action is been taken by the Punjab Wildlife Department.
The Lucky Irani Circus is the most well-known one in the country. Even it keeps rare and exotic animals in cramped and dirty cages in the so-called ‘Mini Zoo’. African lions, horses and other animals are made to perform dangerous tricks.
According to the Punjab Wildlife Act, the use of wild animals for entertainment and keeping them in mini zoos is strictly prohibited. It is necessary to make cages according to the size of the animals and to provide other facilities for their care.
Animal rights activist Aafia Khan stated that it is dangerous to use wild animals in spectacles and to show their tricks in densely populated areas of the city. Aside from deeming it cruelty to wild animals, Khan said that four circus tigers had escaped from their cages in Sheikhupura in August 2023 and were recaptured with great difficulty.
Deputy Director and focal person Mudassir Hasan has said that the Punjab Wildlife Act allows the establishment of a circus, but rules have yet to be enforced regarding what animals can be kept there.