‘Virtuous acts’ gone wrong: Fried foods linked to deaths of over 20 stray cows in Haryana

Hisar: More than 20 stray cows have died across Hisar in the past three days, with experts and local authorities suspecting excessive consumption of sweets and fried foods — such as halwa and pooris — offered by the public during festival season as the likely cause.

Sita Ram Singal, founder-director of the 'Gau Seva Helpline Samiti' in Hisar, said the sudden spike in deaths is a matter of grave concern. "As per the daily average, Hisar city sees the death of only one or two stray cows. These are usually due to natural causes, illness, or road accidents. But in the last three days alone, more than 20 cows have died in different parts of the city," he stated.

The deaths have been reported from several locations including Mahavir Colony, PLA Area, Sector 14, Mirzapur Road, Shanti Nagar, and Mill Gate area.

What is the cause?

Singal attributed the likely cause to festival-related food offerings. “During this time, many people offer halwa, poori and sweets to stray cows thinking they are doing a virtuous act. But in reality, these items prove detrimental to the animals' health,” he said.

He warned that even small offerings from multiple people can collectively result in overfeeding. “Some may believe that one poori or a bit of halwa won’t harm the animal, but they do not realise the cow may have already eaten the same from others at different locations,” he added.

Such overconsumption can lead to severe digestive issues, including acidosis, which may result in death if untreated. “When cows consume excessive amounts of fried food, it becomes indigestible after some time, proving fatal for them,” Singal noted.

Expert opinion

Confirming these concerns, Dr Nilesh Sindhu, a veterinary expert at Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, said, “Excessive consumption of fried foods like poori and halwa causes complications in animals… Without timely treatment, they die.” He emphasised that cows should be fed their natural diet — green fodder and straw. “Avoid feeding fried foods , etc., as they are harmful to animals,” he said.

Hisar Mayor Parveen Popli has also issued a public appeal urging residents to refrain from offering such items to cows. “These foods have adverse effects on animals, as they can harm their digestive systems and lead to numerous health problems. They can also lead to serious conditions that could endanger the animals' lives,” he warned.

Animal welfare groups have called for increased awareness around responsible feeding practices and urged the public to consider the long-term wellbeing of stray animals over symbolic rituals.