"Footage showed both dead and injured animals."
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) conducted a pre-dawn demolition operation at an illegally built pet market near the historic Data Darbar shrine.
The operation quickly turned into a scene of horror as shopkeepers claimed that hundreds of cats, dogs, and birds were buried alive.
Videos shared by witnesses showed cages crushed under rubble, with people desperately trying to rescue trapped animals.
Several clips showed birds fluttering helplessly, while others revealed shopkeepers pulling lifeless cats and puppies from the debris.
The incident has sparked outrage across Pakistan, as social media users called it one of the cruellest acts in recent memory.
While the Lahore Development Authority denied that any animals were harmed, their official videos have failed to calm public anger.
The authority released footage showing workers removing some cages before demolition, insisting that all precautions were taken.
LDA wrote on its official X account: “Before the operation, the teams worked with the shopkeepers to safely move goods, including birds and animals.
“News of animal deaths on social media declared fake.”
However, animal welfare groups disputed the claim, saying the operation was rushed and carried out without prior warning.
Todd’s Welfare Society and JFK Animal Rescue and Shelter reached the site hours later and posted disturbing videos online.
Their footage showed both dead and injured animals being pulled from under collapsed shops and concrete blocks.
Activists said that had the LDA given even a brief warning, shopkeepers could have evacuated their animals safely.
Many online users questioned how such a large-scale operation was allowed to proceed without ensuring the safety of living beings.
Hashtags demanding accountability trended throughout the day, with thousands tagging Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for immediate action.
Some also blamed her directly, pointing out that she serves as the chairperson of the Lahore Development Authority.
Critics accused her of selective concern for animal welfare, claiming she only highlights it when addressing international audiences.
Celebrities also joined the chorus, expressing disbelief over the brutality shown in the viral videos.
Actor Zhalay Sarhadi described the incident as “senseless cruelty” and demanded that those responsible face strict punishment.
RJ Anoushey Ashraf echoed similar sentiments, calling the demolition “beyond cruel” and “a reflection of societal decay.”
Rights activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Junior said the tragedy revealed deep hypocrisy within institutions claiming to protect life.
Eyewitnesses alleged that no time was given to shopkeepers to remove their animals.
Many Lahore residents said they could still hear trapped animals crying beneath the rubble hours after the demolition.
The Lahore pet market demolition has sparked nationwide outrage, with many demanding justice, as it remains to be seen what action is taken.
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