The Hindu 28.12.2013
Corpn. to study conditions in Blue Cross cattle shelters
Chennai Corporation will soon review the existing procedure for maintenance of impounded cattle by Blue Cross of India.
Following
allegations pertaining to malnourishment, cruelty and death of cattle
made by councillors on Friday, Mayor Saidai Duraisamy said the civic
body would study the existing condition in the shelters and take
measures to adopt suitable changes in the system.
Councillor
V. Vasu alleged that many cattle sent to Blue Cross shelters died due
to malnourishment. “Six months ago, a cow owned by a resident in
Koyambedu was taken to the shelter. The owner tried to retrieve the
animal which was weak because of malnourishment. But they refused to
hand over the animal to the owner. The animal died a few months ago.
Mahi, another resident, lost his cow three months ago in a similar
manner,” said Mr. Vasu, while stressing the need for protecting cattle
owned by residents in the city.
The number of stray
cattle impounded by the Corporation this year has touched 900. At
present, the civic body has nine vehicles that are used to impound
cattle and take them to Pudupet and Perambur. Owners pay a fine of Rs.
1,550 per head for their release. Around 50 heads of cattle not claimed
by owners have been handed over to the Blue Cross of India this year.
“Blue
Cross does not have the right to return the cattle to anybody who
claims ownership. The animals at the shelter require lot of medical
assistance. I condemn the councillors who have made such allegations,”
said Dawn Williams, general manager of Blue Cross of India.
The Chennai Corporation started handing over unclaimed cattle to the Blue Cross in 1996.