The Greater Chennai Corporation has raised the penalty for cattle owners whose animals are found roaming on city roads, doubling the fine from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. This decision follows a resolution passed during the council meeting on Tuesday, reflecting growing concerns over the persistent issue of stray cattle disrupting traffic and endangering public safety.Stray cattle are typically impounded at shelters in Pudupet and Perambur under the supervision of the public health department and traffic inspectors. The fine for stray cattle has seen a steady increase over the past few years, with the penalty rising from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 in September 2023, alongside an increase in the maintenance charge from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 per day starting from the third day of impoundment.
As of July 2024, the Corporation had already seized 1,425 cattle, collecting Rs 59.08 lakh in fines. In 2023, over 4,200 cattle were impounded, resulting in a total of Rs 92.04 lakh in penalties.
Despite these measures, the issue of stray cattle remains prevalent, with frequent complaints from residents and incidents of cattle attacks continuing to pose a threat. In response, the Corporation has now not only doubled the fine but also increased the penalty for repeat offenses to Rs 15,000, up from the previous Rs 10,000. The maintenance charge of Rs 1,000 per day from the third day of impoundment remains unchanged.
Officials hope that these stricter penalties will serve as a deterrent for cattle owners, reducing the number of stray cattle incidents and improving road safety across the city. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on consistent enforcement and cooperation from the public.