5 booked in Manali for deserting cattle

Our Correspondent

KULLU, January 20

The Manali administration, as part of its investigation into the case of deaths of 15 cattle at the Gau Sadan in Rangadi recently, has booked five persons for deserting their tagged cattle. The owners were identified from the tags of the cattle.

The administration has become cautious after a large number of animals died at the Rangadi Gau Sadan a few days ago. Although 290 animals from the Manali cow shelter were shifted to Katrain in December, the number increased again in the first week of January. This showed that the residents had deserted their cattle at the shelter. The administration is conducting an inquiry into the matter. Due to the recent spell of snowfall, many cattle and calves had died of extreme cold.

Manali SDM Surender Thakur conducted a meeting to discuss the operation of the Gau Sadan. Naggar BDO, Manali Municipal Council president Chaman Kapoor, officials of the Animal Husbandry Department, highway authority and representatives of social organisations were also present.

The SDM detailed the directions of the High Court related to stray cattle in rural and urban areas and on the roads.

The SDM said, “People of the valley are being urged to take back the animals deserted at the Gau Sadan, or the administration will take strict action against them.” He said the panchayat heads had been instructed to count and tag every cattle and take legal action against those who desert their animals.

He instructed the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department to visit the Gau Sadan from time to time and check the health of the animals. He directed them to complete the work of tagging of cattle at the earliest and submit a report regarding the same.

The BDOs would keep an eye on the destitute animals in rural areas with the help of nagar panchayat heads. Officials of the highway authority would monitor the animals on highways and the executive officer of the Municipal Council would keep a vigil on cattle in urban areas, he stated.

Surender said no animal should be seen on the roads. Soon, animal welfare committees would be appointed, which would consist of members of ULBs, PRIs and other social organisations.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.