Kozhikode: Stray cattle to cost owners Rs 5,000 in fine

KOZHIKODE: Leaving cattle unrestrained on city roads would now cost the owners dearly as the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation has decided on a five-fold increase in fine for the said act. At present the civic body is charging a fine of Rs 1,000 with an additional catching cost of Rs 2,000 and a maintenance cost of Rs 500 per day. It plans to increase the fine to Rs 5,000, while the rest would stand the same. The civic body is also earning revenue by auctioning the stray cattle caught in city and has already formed a squad to deal with the cattle menace. Recently the Corporation earned Rs 45,000 by auctioning three stray cattle caught from city limits.

The Corporation’s decision on issue came after complaints piled on the menace including affecting road and rail traffic. Recently a buffalo was hit by train and died where as another three were caught by the Corporation's health wing near Kallayi railway track. The health wing of the civic body has already formed a team under the Health officer to take action against stray cattle owners and to auction cattle in public. The team included a veterinary surgeon, two senior health inspectors and six junior health inspectors.

In the recently held council meeting, the councilors had demandedstrict action against cattle menace.  "The fine should be hiked to effectively deal with those who release their cattle in city traffic causing difficulties," said Moonnalingal Councilor Thomas Mathew. Speaking to DC, Corporation Health Officer Dr R.S. Gopakumar said that the health standing committee will soon consider the proposal and get the Mayor's prior permission. “According to the latest amendment in the Cattle Trespassing Act, the minimum fine is Rs 2,000 and maximum is Rs 5,000. We will go for the maximum fine," he said. "Earlier we have to wait for seven days before putting the cattle for auction. Now only 48 hours is needed to wait before auctioning the cattle,” he added.