Hundreds of people descended on the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, and protested against the brutal killing of a dog. For the capital, accustomed to regular political demonstrations since last year, the protests this time were somewhat unusual. 

Khaire, the dog, was tied to an electric pole and beaten to death last week by two men with iron rods, as per a report in the Himalayan Times. A video of the incident went viral on social media platforms, outraging many dog lovers and animal rights activists. 

Hundreds of young activists, animal lovers, and animal rights promoters joined a protest held at Maitighar Mandala this week against the killing in Dhulikhel in Kathmandu. A public petition, Justice for Khaire, was started and asked people to join the protests.

Khaire was killed mercilessly because he had injured a local boy. 

Placards reading 'Justice for Khaire', 'Say no to animal cruelty', and 'Stop turning blind eye to animal cruelty', were displayed during the demonstrations in the valley. 

The incident should be used to spread awareness against cruelty to animals, said Shristi Singh Shrestha, an animal rights activist in Nepal. Authorities in Nepal, she claimed, are even unaware of the fact that there are rules against animal cruelty. 

In Nepal, violence against animals is a punishable crime. The killing of a community dog, such as Khaire, can attract a jail sentence of up to three months and a fine of up to $41.