Residents came together to save an animal

M.Sowmiya

Chennai, 31 August 2015: A cow fell into a well at Kailasam Street in Old Washermenpet recently, sending shock waves among residents. Without just ending up as curious onlookers, they soon jumped into action to save the animal.

Blue Cross of India and the Fire and Rescue department were informed and they came to the rescue of the cow.

Karthikeyan, who reported the incident to Blue Cross, said, after receiving information about the incident, I informed the NGO and its members were on time to rescue the cow. They joined hands with the fire department in the machine.

After the animal was rescued from the well, it is learnt that the owner tried to stake claim. However, officials refused to hand it over to him and the cow is now in the Blue Cross of India shelter.

Dr.Harish, who treated the cow which was brought to Blue Cross of India hospital and shelter for treatment, said that the animal was found to be pregnant and it suffered injuries. Following medical treatment, it is relatively doing well.

Stray cattle roaming and resting on the road sides has been a regular problem in Old Washermenpet and the residents has reported it many times.

While stressing on the need for protecting cattle owned by residents are homeless animals, Dr P Mahalingam, retired dean of Madras Veterinary College and a long time resident of the neighbourhood says, Old Washermenpet has become a more of residential and commercial areas where space for animal grassing is no more. 

Stray cattle the loiter on the middle of busy roads are seemingly unaware that they disturb traffic. They are mostly hit by fast approaching vehicles.

It is the responsibility of the owners to take care of the bovines. When they are left loose and if the Corporation finds them loitering them on the road, the cattle will not be returned to the owners unless they pay a fine. Owners have to keep their cows indoors and in a clean place, he adds.