Thailand Wildlife Department on Sunday confirmed that a lion kept at a private home in western Kanchanaburi province got loose and attacked a young boy, leaving him in hospital.
The department, which confirmed the development through a statement issued on Sunday, said the lion attacked the child, who was hospitalised with unspecified injuries, while he was walking on a public road Saturday night about a two-hour drive from the capital Bangkok.
Local media said the boy was on his way home from playing with other children when the big cat pounced on him.
The lion’s owner, who the wildlife department identified only as Parinya, was charged with violating wildlife protection laws, and faces up to six months in prison and a 50,000 baht ($1,500) fine if convicted.
The lion was seized by authorities, the department said, adding that a wildlife breeding centre had prepared a new home for it.
Parinya told local TV he was “shocked” when he learned of the attack, saying the female lion got loose after it was removed from its cage while it was being renovated.
“I apologise for what happened, it was an accident,” he said, adding that he will pay compensation and for the boy’s medical treatment.
In its statement, the wildlife department urged people who “keep wild animals to be aware of the potential dangers, as all animals have a ferocious instinct”.
“Any unforeseen incident that affects the life and property of others will be punished and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” it added.
Lion ownership, it was gathered, is legal in Thailand, where the captive population has exploded in recent years, with nearly 500 registered in zoos, breeding farms, petting cafes and homes.
