A Lahore court has sentenced vlogger Rajab Ali Butt to a unique form of community service after he admitted to illegally keeping a lion cub without proper documentation.
Instead of serving time or paying a fine, Butt has been directed to create educational vlogs about animal rights for one year.
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According to the verdict issued by Judicial Magistrate Hamidul Rehman Nasir, the vlogger is required to release a five-minute video on animal welfare every month from February 2025 to January 2026.
These videos aim to raise awareness about the rights and proper treatment of animals.
Butt pleaded guilty to violating the Punjab Wildlife Act of 1974, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison or a fine ranging between Rs10,000 and Rs15,000.
The magistrate noted that the vlogger displayed genuine remorse for his actions and willingly accepted the alternative punishment of community service as a way to educate the public.
The court has tasked Probation Officer Maheen Solat with overseeing Butt’s compliance with the order. Additionally, the confiscated lion cub has been handed over to the Lahore Wildlife Safari Zoo as an interim measure.
This decision highlights an effort by the judiciary to promote education and rehabilitation over traditional punitive measures in cases involving wildlife protection.