LAHORE (AP) — Authorities in Lahore, a city in eastern Pakistan, have arrested the owners of a pet lion that escaped from their farmhouse, resulting in injuries to a woman and her two children. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, and the following Sunday, police confirmed the arrests of the lion's owners.

Disturbing video footage emerged, depicting the lion leaping over a wall and attacking the victims. The injured family, which included a woman and her two children aged 5 and 7, sustained injuries to their faces and arms during the attack. According to police official Faisal Kamran, the lion escaped from its cage and managed to reach a nearby residential area where the attack took place.

The children's father reported to the police that the owners of the lion did not attempt to control or restrain the animal while it was attacking his family. Instead, they allegedly stood by and watched the horrifying scene unfold. Following the incident, the lion returned to its owners' farmhouse and authorities took steps to ensure it was relocated to a wildlife park.

The ownership of exotic animals, such as lions, is often perceived as a status symbol among some affluent individuals in Pakistan, despite the legal stipulations and substantial fees involved in maintaining such animals. This incident has reignited discussions around animal ownership laws and their enforcement, as well as the safety implications for the community.

This troubling incident highlights the risks associated with keeping such wild animals as pets and raises questions about the responsibilities of owners in ensuring the safety of both their pets and the public.