Udhagamandalam: The Ooty municipality has directed the owners of ponies found straying in the town to get the animals registered within three days from today. Unregistered stray animals will be captured after the deadline, municipality officials said.
According to some estimates, as many as 50 stray ponies are seen on the main roads of the town, causing hindrance to motorists including tourists. "It is the first step in a bid to get rid of stray animals off the road and public places," Ooty commissioner in-charge C Ravi told TOI.
The tourist department has authorised over 50 pony owners to conduct rides for tourists. They have also been provided with a huge stable near the Ooty Lake.
However, none of the animals have been registered with the municipality, Ravi said. "Presently, municipality officials are finding it difficult to identify the owners of the stray ponies. The registration process will make our job easy."
Unauthorised pony owners take care of the animals only during the tourist season of April and May. A pony fetches around Rs 1,000 a day during the period. However, the owners let the animals loose during the off-season at they don't get any income out of them. Such animals end up on the roads.
According to a pony owner, the ponies earlier used to graze on the vast ground on the outskirts of the town. "As there was plenty of grass there, the animals never entered the town. Now, the grazing grounds have disappeared," he said.
According to some estimates, as many as 50 stray ponies are seen on the main roads of the town, causing hindrance to motorists including tourists. "It is the first step in a bid to get rid of stray animals off the road and public places," Ooty commissioner in-charge C Ravi told TOI.
The tourist department has authorised over 50 pony owners to conduct rides for tourists. They have also been provided with a huge stable near the Ooty Lake.
However, none of the animals have been registered with the municipality, Ravi said. "Presently, municipality officials are finding it difficult to identify the owners of the stray ponies. The registration process will make our job easy."
Unauthorised pony owners take care of the animals only during the tourist season of April and May. A pony fetches around Rs 1,000 a day during the period. However, the owners let the animals loose during the off-season at they don't get any income out of them. Such animals end up on the roads.
According to a pony owner, the ponies earlier used to graze on the vast ground on the outskirts of the town. "As there was plenty of grass there, the animals never entered the town. Now, the grazing grounds have disappeared," he said.
Get latest news & live updates on the go on your pc with News App. Download The Times of India news app for your device.
