Pakistani Influencer Sentenced to Create Animal Welfare Content After Illegal Lion Cub Ownership**

Following backlash and legal action, YouTube star Rajab Butt is compelled to educate his audience on animal welfare, addressing the ethical concerns of wild animal ownership through a series of monthly videos.**

A Pakistani YouTube influencer, Rajab Butt, has been sentenced to produce a series of 12 educational videos on animal welfare as a result of illegally owning a lion cub, following a scandal that erupted after a video showing him receiving the cub at his wedding went viral. With a substantial following of 5.6 million subscribers, Butt has been ordered to release a five-minute video on the rights of wild animals each month for a year as part of his community service.

The cub, which has been named Bhatti, has since been relocated to Lahore Safari Zoo. In his public statement, Butt expressed regret over his actions, admitting that "keeping wild animals in such circumstances is inappropriate" and vowing to use his platform to promote positive messages regarding wildlife conservation.

The controversy began when wildlife officers noticed the video posted by Butt, leading to a police report regarding the cub's illegal ownership. Umar Dolla, the person who gifted Butt the cub, claimed ownership but the court ruled that the lion cub was in Butt's control. Wildlife officials emphasized the dangers of keeping lions as pets, stating that they cannot be domesticated and highlighting the cruelty involved in such practices.

Moving forward, Butt has committed to using his social media influence to discourage illegal wildlife ownership while emphasizing ethical treatment and rights of wild animals.