The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) demolished the Lahore pet market early Thursday morning, sparking anger among shopkeepers and animal lovers. The operation began around 4 AM near the Data Darbar shrine. Traders said they were not warned before the demolition.

Dozens of animals, including cats, dogs, birds, and rabbits, died under the debris. Many others were injured. Videos from the scene showed vendors pulling lifeless pets from broken cages. Shopkeepers said police were present but did not intervene.

Market head Sardar claimed that LDA officials had earlier promised traders two days to relocate their animals and goods. However, the sudden operation began hours later. Officers named in the incident included Ehtisham, Arsalan, Zahid Abbas, Iqrar Hussain, and Shabir Hussain.

“This was not just a market; it was a home for hundreds of innocent animals,” a vendor said. The market had 165 shops and had been running for decades. Traders said it was officially allotted in 1992 under then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. They said promises of relocation after future demolitions were never fulfilled.

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Animal welfare groups condemned the act, calling it animal abuse. The Tahira Animal Welfare Foundation said authorities should have moved the animals before the demolition. “Cats, dogs, birds, and rabbits are living beings who deserve care, not cruelty,” they said.

Traders and activists demanded accountability from LDA officials and fair compensation for their financial and emotional losses.