The Hindu - Puduchery 12.08.2009

Oulgaret Municipality identifying land for cattle yard

Priti Narayan

PUDUCHERRY: Oulgaret Municipality is in the process of identifying land to set up a yard to house stray cattle. This is an effort to reduce traffic chaos caused by the animals on busy roads.

An official of the municipality said that a resolution to provide shelter for stray cattle was adopted at a municipal council meeting held three months ago.

“We have now floated tenders to identify land for the purpose,” the official said.

Buffaloes are often found resting near pools of stagnated water. Stray cows roam in large numbers on arterial roads, causing accidents and traffic chaos. Many of these animals also end up getting hurt in these accidents.

Stray cows also harm themselves by consuming plastics from public dustbins.

Municipal officials said that negligent owners allow their cattle to roam about freely on the roads after grazing, especially in the evenings.

All these cattle, which create public nuisance, would be picked up and housed in the cattle yard. The owners would be penalised, before the animals are returned to them, they said.

However, stray dogs continue to roam about the streets without shelter. The number of stray dogs on the roads is unclear. Municipal officials said that stray dogs and pigs, are caught by municipality workers and specialised dogcatchers from Tamil Nadu. They are released on the roads again, after being sterilised. Officials said that although they are obliged to provide shelter, food and care for stray animals, they do not have the facilities to do so. Elimination of these animals is also illegal, they said.

“The least we can do is to sterilise them, and ensure that they do not multiply,” they said.