Stray cattle rule the road, haunt motorists in Madurai

MADURAI: Bad roads, reckless driving and jaywalking account for the most number of vehicle accidents in the city. With mounting garbage heaps and poor enforcement of law, there could be another villain making the list: the stray cattle.


The latest to fall victim to a series of accidents caused by roaming bovine is C Rangaraj, 67, a resident of Varichur who met a tragic end while travelling on a share autorickshaw. Reports said the vehicle turned turtle on Sivaganga Main road near Gomathipuram last week after hitting a stray cow. It is learnt the autorickshaw driver tried his best to avoid hitting the cow but this only led to three-wheeler turning upside down, the accident leaving the sexagenarian dead and seven others wounded.

As it appears, the menace is unchecked in most part of Madurai. If one were to take walk around, it is easy to spot cattle roam freely in most of the city roads, posing a threat to both commuters. Although most of the accidents are not fatal, minor ones continue to take place regularly. Police said that most of them did not even get reported, as victims were less interested in in taking it forward.

South Masi Street, East Marret Street and South Marret Street are places in the core city where cows and bulls freely move about, as they get market wastes to feed on. Among the areas that see cattel movements are Ring Road, New Natham Road, Sivaganga Main Road, Vaigai River Bank Roads, Kulamangalam Main Road, Palamedu Main Road, Sellur, Bibikulam, Anna Nagar market, Mattuthavani flower market and Aathupalam.

Apart from posing threat to commuters they are also creating traffic congestions, says a police officer from the Town Traffic range. “A few months ago, we even captured a few stray cows. This had its effect as the owners were cautious for some time as they started straying again. The cows are not captured even if we make phone calls to the authorities concerned,” said a traffic police officer.

“We are tired of reporting about the stray cattle menace in our residential area and on the national highway. We have complained to the corporation officials five times over the last three years. Every time we complain, a few animals are confiscated once only to be released the next day, as owners of these animals are ready to pay the fine,” says R Nagarajan, secretary Sundar Nagar Residents Welfare Association in the 97th ward.

Nagarajan said that two residents of the locality – one in Parasakthi Street and Amaithisolai Nagar – have more than 100 heads of cattle. They let them roam about freely on the roads at nights and return home for the milking time in the morning. “At times their cattle get killed in accidents, but the owners are least bothered about residents, children and animals,” he lamented.

A former

Animal Welfare

Board member here said that cattle are reared for two reasons in the city. “Some do it for milk production whereas the other procured calves and let them on the street till they are big enough for slaughter. While the first category people would be deterred by penal action taken by the corporation officials, the second category is not. They pay the penalty and continue doing it as they get a lot of money,” he said.

Although the corporation has banned letting cattle move on roads and has a rule in place to levy Rs 3,500 fine for the offence, enforcement has not been stringent so far. When contacted city health officer (in-charge) Dr M Saroja said they have entrusted the works of taking care of the cattle issue to an animal welfare (CARE) Trust. “The complaints are effectively addressed,” she claimed.

Veterinarian Dr T R Jaya Krishnan of CARE Trust, Madurai, said that the confiscated cattle are taken good care in the pounds run by Madurai Corporation. They will be released only after the persons who claim ownership on the animals pay the penalty levied by the local body, he added.


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