Stray Cattle and Silent Suffering: A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

Despite the persistent efforts of the state government and various organizations, the heartbreaking sight of abandoned cows wandering the roads continues to be a daily reality. While many cow shelters—run by both government and private entities—have provided refuge to hundreds of helpless animals, countless others still roam the streets, vulnerable and neglected.

Recently, large groups of stray cattle have been spotted along the Rajgarh-Habban Road, from Kadiyut to Dohar. These gentle creatures often gather near the roadside, unaware of the dangers posed by speeding vehicles. Tragically, many fall victim to accidents. In their search for food and water, they resort to eating plastic waste, and sometimes stray into fields, damaging crops—only to be met with beatings from frustrated farmers. Illness and injury often lead to their silent deaths.

Years ago, the previous BJP government proposed a plan to implant microchips in cattle to help identify their owners. Sadly, the initiative never moved beyond paperwork. Today, the question remains: who is abandoning these animals? Despite being a concern for over 25 years, no concrete solution has emerged. People continue to remove identification tags and abandon cattle on roads, with no fear of consequences. Shockingly, no Panchayat, urban body, or the animal husbandry department has taken strict action or filed any FIRs to date.

Kapil Thakur, who runs Hariom Gaushala, shared that over 500 destitute animals have found shelter in his two facilities. However, the shelters are now at full capacity. Local Panchayats and urban bodies are responsible for rehabilitating these animals, but the lack of space and resources has turned the issue into a burden. Gaushala operators are struggling to provide even basic fodder, especially since they haven’t received government grants—channeled through temples—for the past four months.

This crisis is not just about stray animals—it’s about compassion, accountability, and the urgent need for systemic change. These speechless beings deserve better. They deserve safety, care, and dignity.