Tambaram to get new pound for stray cattle

Chennai: Tambaram Corporation will construct a cattle pound in Rajammal Nagar (Zone 5) at 1 crore to improve stray cattle management. The facility, which will accommodate at least 100 cattle, will have feeding and watering stations, enclosures for different types of cattle and a veterinary care area.
Earlier, the corporation planned cattle pounds in Madambakkam and Thiruneermalai, but land acquisition delays stalled both projects. Officials expect the Rajammal Nagar facility to open faster. "We collected more than 2 lakh in fines so far, but penalties alone won't solve the problem. With a dedicated pound and more vehicles, we can manage stray cattle better and reduce conflicts between residents and cattle owners," said senior health officer Dr C Porchelvan.
The civic body captures around 40 stray cattle each month, which are currently housed in a shed in Kondamangalam panchayat near Kattankulathur. However, lack of permanent impoundment facilities has made enforcement difficult.
In 2023, the civic body hired a private agency for cattle seizures, but limited holding areas led to frequent conflicts between residents and cattle owners. Many owners now tie their cattle near parks and residential areas to avoid fines. "There are cows standing in the middle of the road. It has led to accidents. I nearly got into an accidents because of it but was lucky to escape," said Perangalthur resident Arun Kumar.
Cattle owners say retrieving impounded animals from distant locations is expensive. Cattle owner R Murugan from Mudichur said, "Instead of one central pound, smaller pounds in each zone would be more practical."
For effective stray cattle management, animal welfare activists want local bodies to focus on setting up smaller pounds in multiple zones to reduce transportation costs. "This would also prevent overcrowding in a single facility," said animal welfare activist Shanthi R M from Selaiyur.
The corporation plans to purchase additional vehicles at a cost of 60 lakh per zone for transporting seized cattle. "Now, we rely on just two vehicles. Each zone will have a dedicated vehicle. This will ensure faster transportation," Porchelvan said.