Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has issued a call for volunteers and NGOs to take up feeding and maintenance duties at cattle sheds across all 15 zones, including facilities currently under construction. The initiative comes amid escalating concerns over stray cattle on Chennai roads and mounting public safety issues.

A 2024 GCC survey found nearly 22,875 cattle being reared within city limits, many of which are left free to roam due to limited space in residential areas, leading to road accidents, traffic disruption and pedestrian safety risks. In response, the civic body strengthened enforcement by deploying dedicated cattle-catching units in each zone and imposing a ₹10,000 penalty on owners when cattle are found wandering on public roads. Between 2021 and 2025, the GCC impounded 16,692 cattle and collected fines worth ₹4.43 crore, according to officials.

As a long-term solution to the stray cattle menace, the corporation is constructing 17 modern cattle sheds throughout the city. At present, facilities in Tiruvottiyur, Madhavaram, Royapuram and Teynampet are operational, offering safe housing for livestock while protecting public safety. Officials said the programme seeks to support both residents’ safety and cattle owners’ livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the GCC’s pet registration and licensing drive has seen a sharp rise ahead of the December 14 deadline, with 96,056 pets registered and 49,347 licences issued as of Monday evening, an increase of 5,703 licences since November 30. On Sunday alone, the corporation vaccinated 956 pets, implanted microchips and issued licences at six GCC pet clinics and the Animal Birth Control Centre in Sholinganallur.

The civic body reiterated that pet owners who fail to obtain licences by December 14 will face a fine of ₹5,000.

IANS