A traffic policeman pulls away a stray cow on Mysuru Road.
Credit: DH Photo/SK DINESH
Bengaluru: Stray cattle roaming on major roads in Bengaluru continue to disrupt traffic and pose safety risks, despite regular efforts by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to round them up and impose fines on their owners.
In 2024, the BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department impounded 1,466 stray cattle and fined their owners Rs 7.29 lakh. Most incidents were reported from the city centre, officials said.
Under the Karnataka Cattle Trespass Act, 1966, BBMP cattle pound staff are authorised to impound stray cattle for up to seven days. During this period, owners must pay a fine of Rs 600 to reclaim their animals. If not claimed, the cattle are sent to one of the 28 private goshalas in the city or the two managed by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department.
Currently, the BBMP employs 12 staff members and operates two vehicles to capture and transport stray cattle. They respond to complaints through the 1533 helpline or calls routed via the BBMP Head Office.
“This issue extends beyond traffic disruptions. We frequently receive complaints about elderly people slipping on cow dung, schoolchildren being chased, or two-wheeler riders getting injured while trying to avoid cattle,” a BBMP official said.
First-time offenders are required to sign a declaration, promising not to let their cattle stray and agreeing to pay an increased fine of Rs 3,000 if caught again. Repeat offenders face the risk of their cattle being sent directly to goshalas.
“Unfortunately, most owners simply pay the Rs 600 fine and allow their cattle to roam again. We are considering increasing the fine amounts, which might help reduce such incidents,” the official added.