In a shocking turn of events early Wednesday morning, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) carried out a pre-dawn demolition drive against an allegedly illegal pet market near the city’s historic Data Darbar shrine. What was intended as a routine anti-encroachment operation quickly turned tragic, as shopkeepers and eyewitnesses claimed that dozens of cats, dogs, and birds were buried alive under the rubble.
While LDA officials denied that any animals were harmed — even sharing videos of staff purportedly rescuing cages from the site — witnesses and animal welfare groups told a different story. Lahore-based organisations Todd’s Welfare Society and JFK Animal Rescue and Shelter posted harrowing videos showing volunteers pulling both dead and injured animals from the debris.
Last night, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) did something no one with a heart could ever justify. They demolished the bird and pet market in Lahore — and with it, buried thousands of innocent lives alive.
If the market was built illegally, demolish it — but move the tiny… pic.twitter.com/ynMP8BoKY6
— Tahira Animal Welfare Foundation – TAWF (@tawf_uk) November 6, 2025
The disturbing footage went viral within hours, sparking outrage across social media. Shocked users condemned the operation as “cruel” and “inhumane,” calling for strict action against those responsible.
According to local accounts, at approximately 4 AM last night, the LDA conducted a demolition operation at the pet and bird market. The market housed pigeons, birds, cats, rabbits, and puppies all of which were kept in cages. Despite the pleas of shopkeepers, the demolition was… https://t.co/aOb0mwzXze pic.twitter.com/xF3t0RDMaP
— عبداللہ (@Blahhhhhh34) November 6, 2025
As public anger mounted, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who also serves as the LDA chairperson, came under intense criticism. Netizens — including rights activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Junior — accused her of selective concern for animal welfare, pointing out that she only appears to champion such causes to impress foreign dignitaries. The backlash intensified after users highlighted that Maryam is currently in Brazil, representing Pakistan at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).
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What began as a city cleanup operation has now ignited a national debate over governance, accountability, and the treatment of animals — leaving behind not just demolished stalls, but a haunting reminder of lives lost in the name of enforcement.
Here’s how angry social media users reacted:
💔 Hundreds of innocent, voiceless souls were buried alive under the rubble…
The LDA demolished Lahore’s animal market, killing countless cats, dogs, and other helpless animals who had no fault only the desire to live. 🕊️
These animals trusted humans, but humanity failed. 💔 pic.twitter.com/DJ3fzrcNmn— nimo khan🙃 (@nimra76182613) November 7, 2025
This is mass mur*er of poor animals!
Illegal Government of Punjab, under heartless and cruel illegitimate military-imposed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has demolished and levelled the historic pet market in Lahore while hundreds of animals were inside the shops in cages!
Not… pic.twitter.com/Bm6CUZWiVI
— PTI UK (@UKPTIOfficial) November 7, 2025
Hundreds of innocent, voiceless souls were buried alive under the rubble…
The LDA demolished Lahore’s animal market, killing countless cats, dogs, and other helpless animals who had no fault — only the desire to live. 🕊️#lahore pic.twitter.com/ak1A4gEPVn— شگفتہ علی (@hadeed291) November 7, 2025
𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲:
On Wednesday, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) carried out a pre-dawn operation to demolish a reportedly illegally constructed pet market near the city’s famous Data Darbar shrine.
Shopkeepers claim that the… pic.twitter.com/rngCUyOMYh
— Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan (@AhmadRehanKhan) November 7, 2025
Shame on LDA for demolishing the pet market in Lahore with the birds, cats & other animals stuck in the cages. They should have set them free b4 bulldozing it. Allah SWT will reply you well for this barbaric cruelty. #petmarket pic.twitter.com/SaeEqpRLE9
— Mishi khan (@mishilicious) November 7, 2025