Dawn Images

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.