Police in Pakistan have launched an investigation after a lion attacked a man filming a video for TikTok at a private breeding facility.

The incident has sparked public outcry over safety and animal welfare concerns.

“A case has been registered against the owner of the breeding house for putting the life of the person in danger,” police official Karam Nawaz said on Wednesday.

The mauling occurred over the weekend in the eastern city of Lahore, where big cat cages on rooftops and farmhouses is a common sight after the social media enthusiast entered the lion’s cage to shoot a video.

The man was badly injured but in stable condition, Faisal Mushtaq, an inspector from the provincial wildlife department said.

There are more than 100 private breeding houses in the province of Punjab.

The provincial government is in the middle of amending laws on keeping big cats, including tigers and cheetahs, in homes and for commercial purposes.

““No one will be allowed to keep lions at homes,” said Mohammad Ramzan, a spokesperson for Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department.

Ramzan said that the proposed changes were approved by the provincial cabinet and would soon be signed off by the provincial assembly.

Last month, a pet lion was shot dead after it escaped from the cage causing panic in streets of the densely populated residential area of Lahore.

Trade of wild animals is a roaring business in Pakistan.

The demand is partly fuelled by internet videos showing owners coddling them and even parading big cats through public places and at political rallies as a symbol of power.

(dpa/NAN)