LAHORE: Police in Lahore have arrested a local social media influencer accused of brutal animal abuse after she posted horrifying videos and photos online, sparking outrage among users and animal rights activists.
The suspect, who ran an Instagram account under the name @dejaylazawal, shared graphic stories showing bloodied animals and admitted to harming them. One screenshot circulating online showed her claiming she shot a cat in the head, while another post showed a rabbit soaked in blood inside her apartment.
The disturbing content quickly drew widespread condemnation, and several users reported her account to the police. Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by ASP Shehrbano Naqvi raided the influencer’s home in Lahore, where they found animal remains, bloodstains, and cigarette butts.
Rescue teams managed to save the surviving animals, which have now been handed over to the Pakistan Animal Rescue Center (PARC) and shifted to the Wildlife Department for proper care.
According to police officials, the influencer showed no regret during the raid, reportedly laughing as officers gathered evidence. Her father attempted to defend her actions by claiming she was mentally unwell, but no medical confirmation has been provided so far.
ASP Shehrbano Naqvi urged families to keep a closer watch on people who may pose a threat to animals and stressed the need for stricter laws to regulate pet ownership and animal welfare.
The case has reignited calls for tougher penalties for animal cruelty and tighter monitoring of disturbing content online, as social media continues to play a role in exposing such abuses to the public.
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