Save Cows of Uttarakhand
The beautiful state of Uttarakhand is facing a grave issue with stray cattle. It is estimated that more than 20,000 stray cows and bulls roam freely on the roads, leading to a range of problems for the general public. The government has recently tabled a bill declaring cows as “Gaumata” to highlight their significance. But the initiative, while well-meaning, has not yet resulted in concrete measures to protect these helpless animals. To tackle this situation, the government, local communities, and individuals must come together to find a solution that ensures the safety and welfare of both humans and animals.
1. Growing Concerns with Stray Cattle in Uttarakhand
The presence of thousands of stray animals on the roads has created multiple issues, including traffic congestion and increased accidents. Unfortunately, these animals often wander onto highways and busy streets, unaware of the dangers around them. This leads to frequent collisions that endanger not only the lives of these animals but also drivers and pedestrians. Many accidents occur at night when visibility is low, making it difficult for motorists to see cattle standing or crossing the road.
The government has made efforts to address the problem, but without the cooperation of the people, these efforts may not achieve their desired results. Cattle owners sometimes abandon unproductive cows because they no longer see any economic benefit in caring for them. In other cases, people release their animals onto the streets to avoid the costs of maintaining them, expecting the government or local NGOs to take over the responsibility.
2. Setting Up More Cow Shelters in Uttarakhand
The government of Uttarakhand has been promoting the establishment of more cow shelters, also known as gaushalas, to accommodate destitute cattle. The idea is to provide a safe space for these animals where they can receive proper food, medical care, and shelter. However, the current number of shelters is insufficient to accommodate the growing number of stray cattle. More shelters need to be set up, and existing ones must be expanded to provide better facilities.
Additionally, these shelters require consistent funding and resources to function effectively. This includes securing land, building enclosures, hiring veterinary staff, and ensuring a continuous supply of nutritious food and medicines. The government must allocate funds for such initiatives, and private organizations and concerned citizens should also contribute.
3. The Role of NGOs Like Doon Animal Welfare
One organization making a significant difference is Doon Animal Welfare in Dehradun. This non-profit has been working tirelessly for the past eight years to protect and care for stray and abandoned animals in the region. They have treated over 70,000 street animals and more than 4,500 large animals, including cows, bulls, and horses.
Doon Animal Welfare currently houses over 2,000 animals in their shelters. They not only take in injured animals but also provide lifelong care for those who cannot survive on their own. Their dedicated team of veterinary doctors responds to distress calls about injured animals, offering timely treatment and care. The organization relies on donations and the support of animal lovers to continue their work.
4. The Harsh Reality of Animal Cruelty
While there are many compassionate people who care for stray animals, incidents of cruelty are unfortunately still common. One such incident involved a cow and her calf in Majri, Dehradun. They had wandered into a field to graze when the field owner, in a cruel act, poured acid on them. The cow suffered severe burns, and the calf was also injured. In another incident, a group of people set fire to a hut in Barowala where three cows were being kept. One cow died on the spot, and the other two—both pregnant—were severely burned. While their calves survived, the mother cows died during treatment.
These cases highlight the urgent need to raise awareness about animal rights and ensure stricter implementation of animal protection laws.
5. Strengthening the Animal Cruelty Prevention Act
India’s Animal Cruelty Prevention Act was enacted in 1960. However, the law has not been updated in over six decades. Under this Act, if a person is found guilty of cruelty to animals, they can be fined as little as Rs 50 to Rs 100, or face a three-month imprisonment. Such a light punishment is not a deterrent for people who harm animals. Activists like Gauri Maulekhi have been advocating for stricter penalties and amendments to the Act.
Over 140 Members of Parliament have appealed to the Prime Minister to amend the law to include harsher penalties for animal cruelty. The proposed changes would impose stricter fines and longer prison terms for offenders, thereby providing better protection for animals.
6. How You Can Help: Donate to Support Stray Cattle
Addressing the stray cattle issue in Uttarakhand requires a multi-faceted approach involving the government, NGOs, and the general public. While setting up more shelters is crucial, the community must also change its perception of these animals. We need to value and protect them, not just as symbols of cultural and religious significance, but as living beings that deserve love and care.
One way to make a real difference is by supporting organizations like Doon Animal Welfare. Your donations can help provide food, medical care, and safe shelter for abandoned and injured cows. Even a small contribution can go a long way in improving the lives of these helpless animals.
If you are in a position to help, consider donating to Doon Animal Welfare or similar organizations working for animal welfare in Uttarakhand. By doing so, you are not just helping save lives, but also contributing to a kinder and more compassionate society.
You can make a donation by clicking the below link:
Conclusion
The issue of stray cattle in Uttarakhand is not just a problem for the government to solve; it is a collective responsibility. We need more shelters, better laws, and a change in attitude towards these animals. They should not be left to suffer on the streets, exposed to accidents, hunger, and cruelty. With support from the public, we can make Uttarakhand a state where no cow or bull is left to wander aimlessly, and where every animal is treated with the respect and care it deserves.
Let’s work together to save the lives of these innocent creatures. After all, our humanity is measured by how we treat the voiceless beings that share this planet with us.
We heartfully thank to ETV Bharat for bringing this big issue to the notice of the Uttarakhand government.
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