The killing of 29 dogs by shooting sparks outrage in Qatar

An incident that killed 29 dogs and dragged them away by gunmen in Qatar sparked outrage in the Gulf state.

Authorities said police are investigating the killings, which are among the worst incidents of dog cruelty.

But the authorities are facing criticism from animal welfare activists who say that laws to defend pets such as dogs are not applied, according to "Agence France Presse".

Activists said the most recent killings took place in an industrial complex near Doha on July 10, but were not reported until days later.

Activists stated that 4 people, including two with hunting rifles, threatened the factory guards, then killed 29 dogs and dragged them away.

At least three others were wounded, two of whom were in their last stages of pregnancy.

One of the activists explained that when the dogs saw the men, they started running towards them, thinking that they would give them food. "But the men started shooting indiscriminately," he added.

The authorities say they have identified the suspects, without giving further details.

It was not immediately clear what motivated the killing, although activists said dogs have long been the target of inhumane treatment in the Gulf state.