A pistol-wielding mob stormed a secure complex to murder 29 dogs in a senseless attack in Qatar.
The slaughter - branded "barbaric" by animal rights groups - was a reprisal massacre over claims a child was bitten by one of the pooches.
PAWS Rescue Qatar posted news of the disgusting incident on social media, explaining how the men turned up at a secure factory area before threatening security guards with their firearms.
Then they forced themselves into an area of the compound where dog lovers fed and cared for strays.
It was here the men slaughtered 29 dogs, including puppies, leaving several more with injuries and one pup fighting for its life at the vets.
The men claimed they killed the innocent animals after one of their sons was bitten by a stray pup.
In a post, PAWS said: "Security team were rightfully scared as two of the men were holding guns.
"The security team tried to stop the men from shooting a group of beautiful friendly neutered dogs, but they realised that they were also putting themselves in danger also.”
The post adds: “These dogs posed NO harm to anyone, they were well looked after, very friendly and well-loved."
In Qatar, the killings have caused uproar with animal rights campaigners branding it a "barbaric act and threat to Qatari society".
Charities and residents have called for the Qatari authorities to seek justice for the slain pooches.
On social media, locals questioned why this mob were allowed access to firearms.
One wrote: “Very disappointed Qatar! The Gulf region must start to evolve on such matters - this is inexcusable! Poor babies.”
Another said: "What a barbaric act! Not to mention the fact that people are having guns at home and using them. Qatar is a safe country?”
It's not the first time horrific abuses against dogs have been recorded in Qatar.
In October 2020, pictures emerged showing pups trapped in stray dog traps.
A local resident who managed to save some of the dogs claimed these contraptions were set up by a pest conrol company.
One month later, pictures showed a dog named Bernie covered with burns over hig legs with his throat slit open.
Miraculously, the dog survived after a vet reconnected his trachea to the larynx, I Love Qatar reported at the time.
The Qatar-based information page claims the abandoning and neglect of animals in the country is punishable only by a period "not exceeding two weeks" or a fine "not exceeding one thousand riyals (£230)".
Meanwhile, the beating and torture of domestic or captured wild animals is punishable with a sentence "not exceeding two months" or £230.
The same punishment is issued for abusing "aged sick, injured, deformed animals" or neglecting them.
