Hopefully, putting owners on notice and imposing fines will act as a deterrent
The government has issued a warning to the beneficiaries of livestock schemes that they will face penalties if their cattle are found wandering in public places. It is high time the Department of Animal Husbandry took necessary action against the owners who recklessly leave their cattle to roam stray, leading to road accidents and road congestion.
Just four days ago, a 75-year-old pillion rider died while the rider sustained injuries after their two-wheeler rammed into stray cattle in Borim. Such incidents are not new in the state. On and off, such cases are registered even as many go unreported, especially if the victim sustains minor injuries. According to reports, more than 15 persons have lost their lives since 2019 in accidents caused by the cattle straying onto the roads, including highways. Several others have been left injured. Around 80 accidents have taken place caused by the stray cattle menace over the past five years.
Traffic police have identified locations where stray cattle squat, endangering the lives of motorists. As per their study, 91 places in South Goa and 55 places in North Goa have been identified. The maximum number of cattle seen on the roads is in Ponda, where the police have identified 38 spots. This is followed by 22 in Vasco, 20 in Anjuna, 13 in Canacona, nine in Panaji, six each in Porvorim and Mapusa, and five in Pernem. This study should help the authorities to tackle the stray cattle menace. Civic bodies on their part are also trying to act against stray cattle.
Taking serious cognisance of the growing menace of stray cattle, the Department of Animal Husbandry had, in September 2024, issued a notification warning that dairy farmers availing of schemes such as Pashupalan and Kamdhenu would be debarred and blacklisted if their animals were found wandering in public areas, including roads and highways. Now, the Director of Animal Husbandry, Nitin Naik, has come out with a warning to the cattle owners who have availed themselves of government schemes. The department has decided to revoke subsidies granted and levy fines on the owners for letting their cattle loose in public places. Department officials have been instructed to immediately respond if they come across such cattle. If such animals purchased under government subsidy are found on roads, they will be impounded, with the assistance of local NGOs, it has said. Furthermore, the entire subsidy amount given to the owner will be recovered by the Animal Husbandry Department. The responsibility for impounding the animals will be shared by the department and gaushalas (cow shelters), who have vehicles provided under the stray cattle management scheme. The department said that cattle under the scheme can be easily identified, as they are marked with microchips or have tags clipped to their ears. However, those animals that are accompanied by humans while on the roads will be exempt from penalties, the department has said.
This decision of the Animal Husbandry department is welcome, but much depends upon its implementation. The department should immediately decide on the modalities and fix the quantum of penalties to be imposed upon the errant owners. Strict action will serve as a deterrent to violators. NGOs should also support the department in curbing the stray cattle menace. The department must crack down on the owners who fail to follow the government directions, as the objective is to reduce road accidents and fatalities.
