22 horses poisoned, seven dead in Kharian

In a strange case of stallion killing, some unknown people administered poison to 22 horses worth millions of rupees, killing seven of them in Kharian, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

According to details, an overseas Pakistani has kept some precious horses at his stable in Sheikha Tahir area of Kharian. But some unknown persons managed to poison his 22 horses. Seven of them died instantly while the condition of several other stallions is stated to be critical.

Police are still clueless why the steeds were administered poison - was it a case of enmity or mere envy?

In Pakistan, several well-to-do people keep animals either as a hobby or as a symbol of their power and wealth. But keeping, breeding, and training horses can also be done for the purpose of sending them for equestrian games and dressage events.

Among known breeds of horses, the most ancient breed is the Arabian horse, which originated around 2,500 B.C. from the Arab Peninsula.

The Arabian horses are famous for their extraordinary beauty, particularly when they run and raise their tails, showing off their elegant form.

The price of an imported Arabian horse varies from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the quality and pedigree of the animal.

Reporter Syed Tanveer Naqvi