The Tiruchirapalli City Corporation, which is facing mounting criticism from the residents for failing to control stray cattle menace, on Tuesday started cracking down on stray cows in the city.
The action comes a day after issuing stern warning to the owners of stray animals. Divided into different groups, the officials of the corporation visited various areas, where the stray cattle menace was rampant.
On November 20, the officials took custody of 156 cows, which were loitering on Vayalur Road, K.K. Nagar, Gandhi Market, and so on.
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They were released and handed over to the owners after collecting a fine to the tune of Rs. 49,000.
As per the gazette notification of the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation, Rs. 400 fine would be levied from the owners of stray cattle for the first offence, in addition to Rs. 300 for feeding them.
For the second offence, the fine would be Rs. 500. If the cattle were caught on roads for the third time, they can be impounded and auctioned.
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Although there was no data on the exact number of stray cattle in the city, it is said that more than 2,000 cows were roaming in different parts.
While admitting the growing number of stray cattle in the city, M. Geetharani, City Health Officer, told The Hindu that tough action would be taken against those letting loose the stray cattle on roads. It would launch a intensive campaign to control the issue.