In a unique and impactful verdict, a Lahore court sentenced popular vlogger Rajab Ali Butt to one year of creating animal rights awareness content after being found guilty of illegally possessing a lion cub. The court ruled that the penalty should serve as a way to educate the public on animal welfare and discourage similar offenses.
The case began earlier this year when videos surfaced of Butt showcasing the cub in his vlogs, sparking outrage among animal rights activists. Authorities later confiscated the cub and placed it under the care of the Punjab Wildlife Department.
During the hearing, the court emphasized the importance of responsible behavior from influencers, stating that their actions greatly influence their audience. Butt, who has millions of followers, expressed regret over his actions and pledged to use his platform for promoting animal rights.
Starting next month, the vlogger will release a series of vlogs covering topics such as wildlife conservation, the dangers of illegal animal trade, and the ethical treatment of animals. Each video will require approval from the Wildlife Department before being uploaded.
The decision has been widely praised by animal welfare groups, who hope this serves as a precedent for addressing wildlife-related offenses in Pakistan.
