After reports surfaced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters had beaten a donkey — now named Hero — during a rally as a response to an opposition party for equating a dog to leader Imran Khan, the party attempted to clarify its position. "Whether it is PTI supporters who beat up a donkey, or Imran Khan opponents who did the same to a dog...this reveals a vile degeneration in our basic mindset of humanity. This kind of cruelty has to stop across the board," tweeted the party's official account. It however, makes no mention of actions that would be taken against those responsible for the heinous act.
The incident came to light after Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF) Animal Rescue posted it on social media and it went viral. "The "donkey [was] beaten to pulp, punched in the face and abdomen several times, nose broken, kicked all over his body until he collapsed, has rope marks and a car rammed into him…..all of this to describe one political party as an 'ass' by some hooligans as written on the poor donkey's body," read the ACF tweet.
The animal was rescued by a local citizens who contacted ACF Animal Rescue for help.
"With the upcoming elections looming upon us, no one is spared from the wrath of this time…not even the most helpless of animals. This is a hate crime," said the organisation.
