SC seeks Centre, states’ response on plea for national policy on stray cattle
Indian Express·2h ago·Fear
What Happened
The Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre, states, Union Territories, and the Animal Welfare Board of India on a petition seeking a uniform national policy to regulate stray cattle. The plea, filed by Chandigarh-based NGO Lawyers for Human Rights International, highlights rising accidents and deaths. Madhya Pradesh reported 237 stray-cattle-related accidents with 94 deaths in two years. Odisha recorded 3,023 accidents causing 1,601 fatalities between 2022 and 2024. Punjab experiences approximately 31 cattle-collision deaths monthly. Himachal Pradesh farmers face annual crop losses of Rs 1,500-2,000 crore. The petition seeks centralized cattle management framework including tagging, sheltering, and rehabilitation measures.
Key Entities
Supreme CourtCentreLawyers for Human Rights InternationalTejinder Singh SudanNational Highways Authority of IndiaMadhya PradeshOdishaPunjabHimachal PradeshAnimal Welfare Board of India