Two wounded in brawl during dog show in Lahore

Police send guards of pet owners behind bars on charges of firing

LAHORE:

At least two persons were injured during a fight that disrupted the International Dog Show organised by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) at Jillani Park on Sunday.

The authority had organised the canine beauty contest ahead of the upcoming spring festival in Lahore, which was marred by an aerial firing showdown between two rival groups pitted against each other to showcase the grace of their dogs.

Official sources said the canine show hosted more than 30 high and rare breeds of dogs and was judged by local as well as international experts.

Shortly after the dog show began, there was an argument between the judges and a group of owners whose dog was not awarded the first prize. The altercation then escalated into shooting, leading to further rioting at the park.

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Assailants used trophies to knock off rivals during which two citizens suffered head injuries. Confused citizens ran to protect themselves and their canines from the armed rioters, resulting in a stampede that caused more injuries among the visitors of the show. Many participants criticised the security arrangements made for the event.

A heavy contingent of police was called on the spot to restore peace, while PHA officials were found missing during the fiasco.

Police apprehended the guards of the dog owners involved in the shooting instead of those involved in the flight.

DSP Muhammad Naveed vowed to take legal action against those found responsible for the arms display and firing.

Meanwhile, PHA security in-charge applied for registration of an FIR against the rioters at the area police station for spreading fear and panic by interfering in government work and firing in the air.

Talking to The Express Tribune, PHA Director General (DG) Jawad Ahmad Qureshi expressed remorse over the incident and said the authority was probing into the matter to nab those responsible for criminal negligence.

In response to a question about the security lapse, the DG highlighted that the authority’s personnel are only equipped with sticks. “They couldn’t have confronted the gunmen.”

“We have applied in the police station for legal action against the shooters,” he added.

Qureshi pointed out that the groups involved in rioting had been blacklisted and their dogs would never be able to participate in the pageants again.

On concerns regarding the upcoming Spring Festival scheduled to be held from March 1, the DG promised to ensure foolproof security arrangements so that the people would enjoy the events in a safe environment.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2021.