LDA demolishes pet market in Lahore, sparking controversy over animal deaths and lack of notice

LAHORE: A demolition carried out by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) at the city’s well-known Bird Market near the Data Darbar shrine has sparked outrage, with shopkeepers alleging that hundreds of animals were killed or injured during the operation. However, LDA officials have denied these claims, stating that no animals were harmed in the demolition.

The market, which had been operating for decades since it was established in 1992 under the government of former Punjab Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif, was bulldozed in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Shopkeepers, who have been doing business at the site for years, say they were given no prior notice of the demolition. They also claim that hundreds of animals were trapped inside their shops and buried under the rubble.

Business owners explained that they had been informed earlier that the area would be cleared for a bus stand project, but despite ongoing negotiations with LDA officials about unpaid dues, rent, and utility bills, no official notice was issued before the demolition took place. Some shopkeepers said they requested additional time to relocate their animals and belongings, but their pleas were ignored as bulldozers began the operation immediately.

Viral videos on social media showed shopkeepers recovering animals, including birds and cats, from the wreckage, prompting widespread condemnation from animal rights groups. The Todd’s Welfare Society (TWS) posted on X, claiming that the demolition resulted in the deaths of countless animals, including cats, dogs, birds, and rabbits. “Thousands of innocent animals were buried alive under the rubble. Shopkeepers begged them to spare the animals, but the bulldozers continued their destruction,” the group wrote.

The Tahira Animal Welfare Foundation (TAWF) also expressed outrage over the incident, condemning the lack of consideration for the animals’ welfare. While acknowledging that the market may have been built illegally, the foundation emphasized that authorities should have taken steps to relocate the animals first before proceeding with the demolition. TAWF posted, “If the market was built illegally, demolish it — but move the tiny lives first.”

Amid growing public outrage, LDA officials responded, defending the operation by stating that the market had been built unlawfully on 16-kanal state land, which is part of the Bhati Chowk remodeling project aimed at reducing traffic congestion and noise pollution in the area. The spokesperson for LDA also denied reports of animal casualties, claiming that shopkeepers had already removed their animals and other goods before the demolition began. “There are no reports of birds being killed during the operation. If anyone has proof to the contrary, they should present it,” the spokesperson added.

The controversy continues to spark debates across social media, with many questioning the ethics of the demolition and the treatment of the animals caught in the destruction. Animal welfare groups and concerned citizens have called for greater accountability and for steps to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.