Team Herald
MAPUSA: To solve the stray cattle menace in Mapusa, the local Municipal Council has appointed Gomantak Gosevak Mahasang from Bicholim to impound stray cattle loitering around and creating inconvenience to the people in the town.
For this, the municipality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gomantak Gosevak Mahasang wherein all the stray cattle caught or impounded will be transported to a Gaushala located at Sikeri Mayem in Bicholim. The MMC has requested all cattle owners not to leave lose their cattle.
These stray cattle have been causing accidents, blocking the free flow of traffic as well as littering the place. Cattle spotted along the roads, fields, public places in Mapusa will be transported to the gaushala at Sikeri shortly.
The cattle will be provided with feed, fodder, water, shade and the pound keeper will take care of the cattle. Their medical care will be looked after by a veterinarian if required.
MMC Chairman Ryan Braganza told Herald on Thursday that cattle owners in Mapusa and the neighbouring panchayats are requested to make sure that their cattle are tied or kept securely in their private properties as the appointed agency will start impounding them shortly.
“The MMC is concerned over the stray cattle menace which is causing traffic obstruction, deaths due to accidents of roads, agricultural damage, spreading of garbage on the streets. These stray cattle also intrude in public places which leaves an ugly image in the minds of those visiting the town. There will be a procedure that will be followed for the release of impounded cattle. The claimant will have to prove his ownership by making a representation to the Director of Animal Husbandry through the Panchayat,” Braganza said.
“Thereafter, on scrutinising the application, if the Director in his opinion is convinced that the claimant is the legal owner of the impounded cattle, shall direct the In-charge of the respective gaushala to release the impounded cattle subject on the payment of the specified fines,” he added.
