LAHORE, April 9: Two stray dogs have killed 28 caged peacocks in the `well-guarded’ Lahore Zoo. The zoo administration has quietly removed the dead birds and repaired the broken cage.

Zoo director Yousaf Pal told Dawn on Monday that early on Sunday morning the two dogs had sneaked into the zoo and entered the peacock cage, and killed the birds. He said the dogs had entered the cage through a broken portion of the fence.

According to Mr Pal, the watchman of the cages had gone to offer Fajr prayers when the dogs sneaked in. “When he came back half an hour later, he found the dogs were killing the peacocks. By the time he managed to get the dogs out of the cage, they had killed 28 peacocks.”

The director said the watchman had been suspended and asked to deposit Rs66,500.Mr Pal said that all birds were four to five years old. Eighteen of them were of common variety, while nine were of black shoulder and one white.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...