Lion Cub Kept Illegally as Pet Escapes from Man’s Home and Attacks 11-Year-Old Boy

Lion Cub Rescued After Escaping and Attacking Boy in Thailand

An incident in Thailand left an 11-year-old boy injured after a lion cub, kept illegally as a pet, broke free and attacked him. The boy, Arthit Nueangnui, was attacked by a 1-year-old lioness named Mahaesee in Kanchanaburi province. The cub managed to escape from its chained-up residence on the evening of Saturday, October 4.

According to reports by ViralPress and the Associated Press, the lion cub sprinted down the road and pounced on Arthit, pinning him down and biting into his side. The boy was saved by his quick-thinking neighbour, Sarawut Tokaeo, who bravely intervened by hitting the lioness to free Arthit. Both Arthit and Sarawut were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

CCTV footage captured the lion cub running down the street before its owner, Parinya Parkpoom, intervened and brought it back home, securing it behind metal gates. Arthit’s mother shared his terrifying experience, recounting how he pretended to be dead to survive the attack and the subsequent medical procedures to treat his wounds.

The lion cub was sedated and returned to captivity on Sunday, October 5. Parkpoom, the owner, faced charges for violating wildlife protection laws by releasing the lion. The incident raised concerns about illegal pet ownership and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future, as highlighted by the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.

Parkpoom expressed remorse for the incident, acknowledging his mistake in leaving the lion cub unattended. He took full responsibility for covering the medical expenses of the victims and apologised to their families for the harrowing ordeal. Following the incident, Mahaesee was relocated to a wildlife management centre for proper care and supervision.

Ownership of lions in Thailand is legal, with regulations in place to ensure the safety of both animals and the public. Since 2022, owners are required to register and microchip their lions, as well as seek approval before relocating them. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation oversees these regulations to protect both wildlife and the community.

Cases like this serve as a reminder of the risks associated with illegal pet ownership and the importance of enforcing policies to safeguard both animals and individuals. The swift response of the neighbour in rescuing the boy demonstrates the need for vigilance and quick action in such unexpected events. As Arthit continues his recovery, authorities are working to prevent similar incidents and uphold wildlife conservation laws in Thailand.