10 cows found dead at Rajgarh shelter

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, February 18

More than 10 cows were found dead at Dhanch-Manva gram panchayat in the Rajgarh developmental block of Sirmaur district by a team of officials of the Animal Husbandry Department today.

“The cows were housed at Pajhota village by the Him Gau Sarankshan Samiti. After they died, their carcasses were dumped callously in the open and nullahs. This is polluting water sources and can also lead to diseases,” said a villager. As many as 800 persons reside in its vicinity in Kaloha, Shakain, Kotli and Manva villages. Villagers allege the management had treated the cows with cruelty.

In a representation to the district administration, director, Animal Husbandry Department; Rajgarh SDM and others, villagers demanded a probe into the mismanagement that was causing large-scale mortality on a daily basis. They have also threatened to file a public interest litigation in court.

“The cow shelter has a capacity of around 220 cows, but 100 more were brought from Shimla in December without seeking permission from the Animal Husbandry Department. With lack of fodder, water and space, these animals are kept in inhospitable conditions. At least 50 cows have died till now,” said an official of the Animal Husbandry Department.

A team, comprising veterinary officials, rushed to the cow shelter today after receiving complaint from locals. “The team, comprising a microbiologist and a pathologist, has collected samples. Lab reports will ascertain the cause of deaths, though lack of conducive conditions like overcrowding, lack of fodder and water have emerged as a major cause,” said a senior official.

Despite receiving a financial assistance of Rs 500 per cattle from the state government since November, the callousness has put a question mark over the management. The grant for January, which was yet to be released, has now been put on hold.

Dr RK Pruthi, Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner, said a team of officials from the Animal Husbandry Department was looking into the case and action would be taken against those found guilty.