Chennai Implements Strict Cattle Regulation with Mandatory Licensing and Microchipping
In a significant move to regulate urban cattle rearing and curb the menace of stray animals on roads and public spaces, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has made licences and microchipping compulsory for all cows and buffaloes within city limits. Owners must comply with this new regulation by March 18, 2024, as announced during the civic body's council meeting on Friday.
Licensing Costs and Implementation Details
The GCC has set the licence fee at 100 rupees for each head of cattle. According to 2024 records, there are 22,875 cattle being reared across Chennai. Many of these animals are not maintained in proper sheds and are often left to roam freely, leading to traffic disruptions, public health concerns, and even attacks on residents. To address this, GCC veterinary officer J Kamal Hussain stated, "We asked cattle owners to apply for a licence earlier too. But, no one did. Now, it has been made mandatory."
Owners are required to apply through the official GCC website or submit applications at zonal offices. Following this, zonal veterinary officers and sanitation inspectors will conduct field inspections. Each animal will then be fitted with a microchip containing owner and identification details, ensuring traceability and accountability.
Enforcement Measures and Penalties
To enforce these regulations, GCC has deployed dedicated cattle-catching vehicles in all 15 zones of the city, with five staff members assigned to each vehicle. Cattle that are caught straying are impounded at corporation-run pounds in Pudupet. They are released only after owners pay a fine of 10,000 rupees per animal and provide an undertaking not to let them stray again.
In 2024 and 2025 alone, GCC seized 4,237 cattle and collected 2.22 crore rupees in fines, highlighting the scale of the issue. However, the corporation has yet to finalise the penalty for owners who fail to obtain a licence or install microchips before the March 18 deadline.
Modern Cattle Sheds and Maintenance Options
In addition to licensing, GCC is promoting better animal housing through modern cattle sheds operating in zones such as Tiruvottriyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Anna Nagar, and Teynampet. Owners can utilise these facilities by paying a nominal fee of 10 rupees per animal per day for maintenance, offering a viable alternative to letting cattle roam freely.
This comprehensive approach aims to not only reduce stray animals but also improve urban living conditions by mitigating traffic hazards and health risks associated with unregulated cattle rearing in Chennai.
