BICHOLIM, JUNE 11
Stray cattle have become a menace in Bicholim town and little steps have been taken by authorities to address the issue.
The stray cattle are frequently seen squatting on the roads, posing a threat to motorists and pedestrians. The problem is aggravated during the weekly market day, as a number of stray cattle rummage through the market area in search of food.
This practice had been minimised to some extent some years ago when authorities had decided to impound the stray animals.
Incidentally on Saturday, a cow died on the road near the Bicholim petrol pump shortly after giving birth to a calf.
When this correspondent went to the site in the morning, the cow was found struggling after having given birth to a calf by the roadside. The owner of the cow was crying foul over the unavailability of a veterinary doctor.
Later, the owner called Animal Rescue Squad Chief Amrut Singh, who was seen searching for a person who would help the ailing cow. The animal, however, died a short while later.
Bicholim Muncipal Council workers acted swiftly and quickly carried away the dead animal to avoid any further controversy.
When informed about the stray cattle in the city, Deputy Collector Narayan Gad said he would look into the matter.
“We need to follow the earlier guidelines and I will look into the matter,” he told Herald.
