Owners of stray cattle to invite hefty fine

Udhagamandalam: Cracking a whip on free roaming cattle, the Ooty municipality has decided to impose a hefty fine on owners who let their milch animals loose on roads, greatly inconveniencing motorists and commuters.
The move came following reports that tourists visiting Ooty are finding it difficult to maneuver the main roads due to the presence of cattle, a release from Municipality stated. It said tha the ttourist inflow is high on April, May and June, and complaints pouring in from the public stated the straying animals often hinder traffic flow.
It said owners should call back their animals within three days, failing which they would invite a fine of Rs.1000, the notice issued on the instruction of Nilgiris collector has warned. The fine will be levied under Tamil Nadu Public Health Act 1939.
If the owner is caught for the offence the second time, Rs 5,000 will be imposed, and for third time, the owner has to pay Rs.10,000.