Salem Corporation fixes fines for owners of stray cattle roaming in public places

Salem Corporation imposes fines on owners of stray cattle causing disturbances in public places to ensure safety and order.

The Salem Corporation has fixed fines for owners of stray cattle that roam in public places in the city and cause disturbance to motorists and the public.

A few people, who rear cattle allow the animals to roam on the streets in Salem city, especially near market places, in the morning. The cows eat the vegetable waste dumped by the vendors. They also eat the paper found on the roads. Some of these animals also sit on the roadside, causing traffic congestion and even accidents, especially in the evening. Following incidents of stray cattle attacking people in a few places, and to avoid such accidents, the Salem Corporation has fixed fines for the owners of the cattle.

As per section 292 of the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies (Amendment) Act, 2023, cattle, including cows, buffaloes, and goats, besides horses and dogs that cause panic and roam on the streets, shall be seized. The fine fixed by the local body council should be paid by the cattle owner to get back the animal. Unclaimed cattle would be auctioned, and the amount would go to the civic body’s coffers.

Corporation officials said that for a cow, buffalo, or horse found straying, the owners should pay ₹2,000 as fine for the first 48 hours along with ₹500 as maintenance charge per day. After 48 hours, ₹500 would be collected per day. For a goat, ₹500 would be slapped as fine for the first 48 hours along with ₹100 maintenance charges per day. After 48 hours, ₹100 would be collected per day.

For a dog, ₹250 fine would be slapped on owners along with ₹50 maintenance charge per day. After 48 hours, ₹50 would be collected per day from the owners. If cattle were not sold during auction for more than twice, they would be handed over to the NGOs that took care of the animals, Corporation officials added.