Facing increasing public anger for its inability to control the recurring menace of cattle attacks, the Greater Chennai Corporation revealed that it has collected ₹43.05 lakh in fines this year from cattle owners who allow their animals to roam the city streets.The latest incident occurred on Monday in Tiruvottiyur, where a 34-year-old woman named Madumathi was attacked by a rampaging buffalo. The buffalo knocked her down and dragged her several hundred meters, inflicting a large gash on her leg that required 20 sutures, along with other injuries to her leg and face. CCTV footage of the incident went viral, sparking widespread outrage and calls for immediate action.
In response to a series of such incidents, the Chennai Corporation had previously increased penalties on cattle owners. However, the effectiveness of these measures has come into question following the recent attack. The corporation’s steps to mitigate the issue include imposing higher fines, with repeat offenses leading to a ₹10,000 penalty and potential seizure of the animals.
Despite these measures, the problem persists, prompting criticism from the public and raising questions about the efficacy of the corporation’s strategies. Residents are calling for more stringent actions and effective enforcement to ensure their safety from stray cattle.
The corporation defended its actions, stating that besides increasing the fines, they have implemented policies to further deter cattle owners from neglecting their responsibilities. For a second incident involving the same animal, a substantial penalty is imposed, and for a third offense, the cattle are seized and handed over to NGOs.
The ongoing issue underscores the need for more robust solutions to address the dangers posed by stray cattle in Chennai, ensuring the safety of its residents and maintaining public order.
As the situation develops, the Chennai Corporation must reassess its strategies and enforcement mechanisms to effectively curb the menace of stray cattle and prevent further attacks on unsuspecting citizens.