LAHORE: Volunteers groups and civil society activists staged a protest demonstration outside the Tollinton Market here on Sunday against cruelty to animals being committed by the shopkeepers and their workers, demanding a probe into such cases of animal abuse in the market.

“We have gathered here today to lodge a formal protest against the increasing cases of starving, injuring and even abusing them at Tollinton Market. Several animals have died because of such brutal and inhuman acts on the part of shopkeepers or their workers,” Yahya Hussain Shah, a participant in the demonstration told Dawn.

“Besides this, the stray animals (especially dogs) are being shot or poisoned inhumanly in the city [Lahore] instead of rehabilitating or adopting them,” he deplored. Carrying placards inscribed with slogans demanding animal rights, closure of the market etc, the protesters urged the government to ban animal trade in the country.

They sought immediate government attention towards setting up animal shelters and rehabilitation centres in Lahore and other mega cities.

Also seek ban on animal trade

On the occasion, Ms Zufishan Anushay, JFK Animal Rescue and Shelter CEO, asked Lahorites to join the campaign against denial of rights to animals at Tollinton and such other markets in the city.

“Please join hands for the provision of rights to animals,” she said on the occasion.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the Lahore city administration headed by an assistant commissioner also reached the spot and assured the participants of cooperation to end cruelty to animals at the market.

“We will take action against those involved in animal abuse, subject to provision of evidence. We will also amend laws so as to provide a safe and secure environment to animal. We are plannig to shift this market to another place,” Mr Yahya quoted AC as having told the demonstrators.

The volunteers had last week rescued 50 cats, 12 dogs and a duck being kept in unhygienic conditions at Tollinton Market after buying them from shopkeepers and shifted them to a shelter on Bedian Road for medical treatment.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2020