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Uproar on Twitter after sedated lion cub used as a wedding photoshoot prop

Uproar on Twitter after sedated lion cub used as a wedding photoshoot prop

A photographer based in Lahore used the animal for a couple's shoot at his studio.
11 Mar, 2021

A Lahore-based photography studio has come under fire after it posted an Instagram story of a sedated lion cub being used as a prop for a wedding photoshoot.

The footage and pictures are not available on the Studio Afzl account anymore but several people took screenshots and screen recordings.

The animal appeared to be sedated and lying listlessly. Behind it were a couple, posing for their wedding pictures.

According to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, it is illegal for any person “without reasonable cause [to have in their] possession any live animal which is suffering pain by reason of mutilation, starvation, thirst, over-crowding or other ill treatment”. People who break the law can be punishable with a fine.

While it is not clear if the studio has a permit for the lion cub, it was obvious that something was wrong. People were horrified by the pictures and video and took to Twitter to share their disgust.

Some were shocked that something of this sort could happen.

Others thought this was a new way for the rich to show off their wealth.

But people also used Twitter as a call to action. Politicians and animal rights group began to call for investigations.

KP MPA Faisal Amin Khan, who is also a member of the KP Wildlife and Biodiversity Board, asked the Punjab government to rethink its captive breeding policy.

Twitter users said the government needs to strengthen its laws, especially where the trade of big cats is concerned.

People hoped the public outcry would result in the cub being rescued.

So far, the government or police haven't taken any action but public outcry is rising and more people are calling for something to be done to protect our animals. No creature deserves to be sedated and used like an inanimate object.

Comments

Sameer Mar 11, 2021 05:28pm
face it. We are ignorant of the pain our strays and animals go through. A fine is not even a slap on the wrist. Animal rights must equal human rights.
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Rubina Mar 11, 2021 05:32pm
A big shame. what exactly is the meaning of displaying a helpless cub? does it show how brave the wedded couple is?
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Rubina Mar 11, 2021 05:35pm
Stupidity at its height. Should not be allowed at all and ones involved should be penalized.
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Toni Mar 11, 2021 05:47pm
Selfish people with no manners, no Saliqa and Ikhlaq, yet they want to be considered human, shame on you.
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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Mar 11, 2021 06:03pm
These people have a lot of money but no shame. This will get global recognition and our country will be embarrassed. Strict action should be taken against the culprits.
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NYS Mar 11, 2021 06:13pm
Ridiculous act No room for that sort of violation
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Ibrahim S Mar 11, 2021 06:37pm
A court hearing and maximum fine will send a clear message to violators .
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JustBecause Mar 11, 2021 06:51pm
Must have voted for “Sher”
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Tiva Mar 11, 2021 07:45pm
Only one cuntry in the world projects tigers and lions and increasing their numbers. Google that for country name.
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well-wisher Mar 11, 2021 07:47pm
PK is becoming shameless - Look how Kaavan was treated. Animals should have equal rights as humans and using a sedated Cub for profiting is criminal and punishable. This Cub cannot defend in Courts but public must defend him.
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nk Mar 11, 2021 08:05pm
This is the most absurd thing one can imagine and just clearly shows to what extent a nig majority of our nation's mind can go in show off. Very pathetic thinking.
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kp Mar 11, 2021 08:18pm
Every thing is true inner refection of society, where no morality exists, No wonder Lone Elephant had to sent out of nation of 22 crores, That too by a Foreigner. Not to forget killing of poor Markhore and Houbura bustard that too on license issued by government. No Future
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Leena Mar 11, 2021 08:24pm
Send him back to London based father
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Chrís Dăn Mar 11, 2021 08:29pm
Disgusting to read that these pseudo educated people treated an animal so heartlessly.
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SSA Mar 11, 2021 09:44pm
This is what happens when lower middle class dream of quick money
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Osman Mar 12, 2021 12:38am
Get a life.
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LAHORE Mar 12, 2021 04:15am
LAHORE LAHORE hai!!! :-P
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Fastrack Mar 12, 2021 05:58am
Relax people. This is just a smart strategy by the noble kindhearted leader. Now some celebrity will come to Pakistan and we will have a photo opportunity with claims of booming tourism.
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Hemant Mar 12, 2021 07:58am
This couple should be sedated and left with hungry cub when it is not sedated!!!
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Ali Mehdi Mar 12, 2021 08:06am
How can they even think like that. How on earth a lion can add glory to a wedding party. We have been using flowers n lights etc to embellish the event but a lion. I’m sure all the time the lion was there the couple must have been thinking what if it comes out of sedation and does something natural to it’s instincts. That doesn’t make any sense.
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sawera Mar 12, 2021 09:59am
@Sameer strongly agree!
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Batool Nasir Mar 12, 2021 10:19am
I think people have gone mad. Simple!
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Farha Mar 12, 2021 10:45am
I'm speechless. We feel pleasure in showing off and above all we are free to do everything no accountability, no law, no rule. We are not answerable to anyone "FREE PEOPLE"
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Wajahat Ali Khan Mar 12, 2021 11:24am
Sher di Rani.. like what was the man even thinking? comparing himself to a lion? I bet he wont be standing after a single blow
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Mar 13, 2021 02:48pm
Unfortunately, sick, naïve and nut cases exist in every country of the world.
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Multani Mar 13, 2021 05:28pm
So what, cub was never harmed just sleeping. Those criticizing don’t complain when our endangered bird is hunted by foreign VIP, hypocrisy at best.
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ambreen Mar 15, 2021 06:32am
Ridiculous! What was the purpose of this ???
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