Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 8: The death of a seven-month pregnant cow at the Dollygunj cattle pound on September 18 has brought renewed attention to the need for proper infrastructure, veterinary care and humane handling facilities for impounded cattle in Sri Vijaya Puram.
Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has raised the matter with the Chief Secretary, seeking an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the cow’s death as well as the functioning and facilities available at the cattle pound. The complaint has raised concerns over the alleged mishandling of cattle during impounding and transportation, inadequate arrangements for food and water, and the absence of timely veterinary care.
Ray said he personally visited the Dollygunj cattle pound on September 18 and found the facility small and congested, raising questions over whether it was equipped to safely accommodate the number of cattle being detained. He also pointed to concerns relating to space, hygiene, ventilation and other basic requirements necessary for humane detention.
The cow reportedly belonged to Saraswathi of Dollygunj and was valued at around Rs. 50,000. According to the complaint, the animal was found on a road on or around September 11 and subsequently impounded by the Municipal Council.
The complaint alleges that the cow was lifted using a rope around its neck with the assistance of earthmoving machinery resembling a JCB before being transported to the Dollygunj pound. It further alleges that the animal sustained injuries during the lifting and loading process and was pushed or forced onto the ground while being unloaded at the facility.
Concerns have also been raised over the vehicle used for transporting the animal. Ray has sought examination of the existing practices and urged the Administration to ensure that suitable animal-transport vehicles, with proper partitions and safety arrangements, are used for loading, transportation and unloading of cattle.
The complaint further alleges that the pound did not have an assured arrangement for adequate fodder and drinking water. Since detained cattle remain dependent on the facility for their basic needs throughout the period of detention, the availability of sufficient food, fodder and clean drinking water has been highlighted as a fundamental requirement.
Veterinary care has emerged as another major concern. According to the submission, cattle were allegedly not subjected to proper veterinary examination at the time of impounding or during their detention. The complaint emphasised that injured, sick and pregnant animals require immediate assessment and continued medical supervision.
The seven-month pregnant cow died at the pound on September 18. The complaint has attributed the circumstances of the death to the reported injuries and alleged inadequacy of feeding, watering and veterinary attention, and has sought an inquiry to establish the facts and responsibility, if any.
Beyond the individual incident, Ray has sought the establishment of a properly sized and scientifically designed cattle pound at a suitable location. Such a facility, he said, should provide adequate space, shelter, drinking water, feeding arrangements, veterinary facilities, sanitation and other essential infrastructure required for the humane detention of animals.
He has also proposed an inquiry by a committee comprising officers or experts with experience in animal husbandry, veterinary care and animal welfare. The committee has been requested to examine the alleged methods of handling and transportation, the availability of food and water, veterinary arrangements and the circumstances surrounding the cow’s death.
Ray has sought corrective and preventive measures to ensure that similar incidents do not recur and urged the Administration to issue appropriate directions to the concerned authorities.
The incident has also brought into focus the larger question of whether existing cattle detention facilities are equipped to meet basic animal welfare requirements. With impounded animals often including injured, sick or pregnant cattle, the availability of adequate space, trained handling personnel, safe transportation and prompt veterinary intervention remains essential to prevent avoidable injury and distress.
Ray has further sought appropriate relief for the affected cattle owner while urging the Administration to ensure humane treatment and proper care of all cattle detained at government or municipal pounds.
