In a recent ruling, Rajab Butt, a Pakistani social media influencer, has been ordered to create a series of educational videos focused on animal welfare as a consequence of illegally owning a lion cub. Butt, who boasts 5.6 million subscribers on YouTube, received the cub during his wedding last month from fellow YouTuber Umar Dolla, stirring significant public attention and concern.
Pakistani YouTuber Receives Community Service for Illegal Lion Ownership
Pakistani YouTuber Receives Community Service for Illegal Lion Ownership
A court mandates a prominent YouTuber to produce animal welfare videos after unlawfully possessing a lion cub.
The court's sentence imposes a requirement for Butt to produce one five-minute educational video each month over the next year, highlighting the significance of appropriate animal care and awareness. The cub, named Bhatti, has since been relocated to the Lahore Safari Zoo for its safety and well-being. Expressing remorse over his actions, Butt acknowledged the inappropriateness of keeping wild animals in residential environments and recognized the influence his platform has on his followers.
"I should create positive content as a social media influencer," Butt stated. "By not obtaining authorization to keep the lion cub, I set a negative example." Additionally, the court instructed the local wildlife department to assist him in developing this educational initiative.
The situation was brought to light by a wildlife officer who noticed a video where Butt showcased the lion cub. Although Dolla argued that he remained the legal owner of the animal, the court determined that Butt had unlawfully acquired it. Butt aims to rectify his prior mistakes through this community service, promising to advocate for the rights of wild animals and foster a better understanding of their needs.
Tariq Janjua, the director of Lahore Safari Zoo, emphasized the inherent dangers and moral considerations against owning wild animals domestically. He pointed out that lions cannot be domesticated and keeping them poses serious risks both to the animals and to human beings.
"I should create positive content as a social media influencer," Butt stated. "By not obtaining authorization to keep the lion cub, I set a negative example." Additionally, the court instructed the local wildlife department to assist him in developing this educational initiative.
The situation was brought to light by a wildlife officer who noticed a video where Butt showcased the lion cub. Although Dolla argued that he remained the legal owner of the animal, the court determined that Butt had unlawfully acquired it. Butt aims to rectify his prior mistakes through this community service, promising to advocate for the rights of wild animals and foster a better understanding of their needs.
Tariq Janjua, the director of Lahore Safari Zoo, emphasized the inherent dangers and moral considerations against owning wild animals domestically. He pointed out that lions cannot be domesticated and keeping them poses serious risks both to the animals and to human beings.
