Amid recurring public complaints of stray cattle loitering on city roads and busy thoroughfares, Tiruchi Corporation embarked on a drive across the city impouding such animals. Engaging officials of the civic body, the operation was launched on Saturday night with security assistance provided by the City Police.
Split into teams, the officials numbering 50 drafted for this mission carried out their operation in K. Abhishekapuram zone by fanning out to various places to impound stray cattle loitering on the roads.
Vayalur main road, Srinivasa Nagar, Puthur High Road, E.V.R. Road and areas in Thennur were chosen by the officials who impounded 60 stray cows.
The impounded animals were thereafter brought to the cattle shed established by the City Corporation where they were tied. The action came in the wake of a series of complaints from public stating that stray cattle loitering on the busy roads were hindering free flow of vehicular movements besides causing hazard to public and public health.
Penalty to be paid
Without stopping with impounding such stray cattle, the civic body has made it clear that owners of such impounded animals should remit the fine amount within three days failing which steps would be taken to send the animals for public auction.
Citing its rules, the civic body has also made it clear that fine amount of ₹ 1,000 would be charged for every impounded cattle for the first time and ₹ 5,000 would be levied if the animals were again let out on public roads for the second time.
Special Officer and Corporation Commissioner N. Ravichandran said the drive would be launched in the remaining zones of Srirangam, Ariyamangalam and Golden Rock.
Stray cattle roaming on public roads is frequent in temple town Srirangam witnessing heavy movement of vehicles. Movementof stray cattle could be seen in places including Salai road.
Mr. Ravichandran in a press release said cattle, goats, horses, dogs and birds should be reared by residents with adequate safety measures in place under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Hefty fine amount would be levied on those allowing their cattle to stray on public roads and stern action through court would be initiated against them, the Commissioner further said.
