6,500 stray cattle roam Kangra roads despite space in shelters

Spread the news

28 shelters can accommodate nearly 2,000 more cattle, says Animal Husbandry Department

Kangra, September 22

As many as 6,500 stray cattle continue to roam roads across Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, despite 28 cow shelters with a combined capacity of around 5,000 animals, according to figures from the Animal Husbandry Department.

The department said as many as 3,000 cattle were currently housed in these shelters, leaving space for nearly 2,000 more animals. The figures highlight the gap between the available shelter capacity and the number of stray cattle on roads.

Stray cattle have become a concern in both rural and urban areas, as they not only increase the risk of road accidents but also damage crops.

The department has directed panchayats and urban local bodies to identify and shift stray cattle from roads to available cow shelters. Officials said the animals could be moved to shelters after the concerned local bodies submit requests, subject to space availability.

According to the department, coordinated efforts by panchayats, urban local bodies and other agencies concerned could help shift around 2,000 stray cattle from roads to shelters, thereby reducing the number of animals roaming in public areas.

The department has also reiterated that local bodies in both rural and urban areas should take necessary action to ensure that stray cattle are safely moved to shelters and provided adequate care.