Rising number of stray cattle serious problem

Jaswant Shetra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 16

The increasing number of stray animals in the district has become a serious problem. While the number of stray animals continues to rise because of various reasons, the administration has failed to take steps to tackle the stray menace. Apart from the city roads, a large number of stray animals can be seen roaming on highways.

People travelling on Ludhiana-Ferozepur and Amritsar-New Delhi national highways are always at the risk of meeting with an accident due to these stray animals. The risk of accidents increases manifold during the foggy days and at night as it becomes very difficult for drivers to spot stray animals.

Though several accidents involving stray animals have taken place on the city roads, no concrete step has been taken by the administration to solve this problem so far. Herds of stray animals are a common sight on highways and the city roads.

“It becomes difficult to spot stray animals on the road during fog. Vehicles travel at a high speed on highways and drivers could barely steer clear of stray animals that abruptly come in from of vehicles. The presence of stray animals on the highways is a serious risk for commuters. As the government has been charging cow cess from the taxpayers, it is their responsibility to make arrangements for these animals,” says Kanwaljit Khanna, from the Inqulabi Kendra of Punjab. 

According to sources, farmers dump their cattle which become useless for them. Besides, several farmers dump their useless animals during cattle fairs organised at towns. 

“The organisers of animal fairs shall make sure that the participants take their cattle back with them. The organisers shall tag the animals participating in the fairs to prevent farmers from dumping their animals. The administration shall tie reflectors around the necks of stray animals to prevent accidents,” suggested Ravinder Singh, a social activist. 

Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Agrawal said instructions had already been issued to municipal councils in the district to make proper arrangements for stray animals. “I have been taking up this issue with the higher authorities and we are in the process of developing a system to solve this problem. I will also make sure that the farmers participating in animal fairs do not abandon their animals,” he added.