To Check Stray Cattle Menace, Licensing, Microchipping Made Mandatory

Chennai:In a bid to curb the growing stray cattle menace on city roads, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has passed a resolution making licensing and microchipping of cattle mandatory.

The move comes amid rising concerns over road accidents and public safety caused by free-roaming cattle.

As per the resolution passed in the council meeting at Ripon Buildings on Friday, every cattle-owner must ensure that their animals are fitted with microchips to establish a direct link with the owner. The civic body has set a strict 45-day deadline, ending March 18, for owners to obtain licences. Failure to comply will attract stringent penalties.

Under the revised norms, owners of stray cattle will be required to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000 per animal before it is released from GCC cattle pounds. In addition, maintenance charges and other statutory penalties will also apply.

“Stray cattle pose a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians, especially during night hours and peak traffic times. Microchipping will help us identify repeat offenders and ensure accountability,” a senior GCC official said.

To support enforcement, the Corporation is operationalising modern cattle sheds in several zones. One such facility in Royapuram has the capacity to house up to 550 animals.

The officials said similar infrastructure is being strengthened in other parts of the city to ensure humane handling of seized cattle.

Data placed on record shows that GCC has steadily tightened enforcement against stray cattle over the years. Between 2021 and 2025, thousands of cattle were seized across the city, leading to a significant rise in fine collections.

In 2021, 1,248 cattle were caught, fetching Rs. 25.69 lakh in fines. The number rose sharply to 7,199 in 2022, with fines amounting to Rs.1.10 crore.

While seizures declined in subsequent years, fine collections remained substantial, touching Rs.1.27 crore in 2024. In 2025, 1,710 cattle were seized, and fines collected stood at Rs. 94.51 lakh.

Official records reveal that GCC has collected over Rs. 2.22 crore through the auction of seized cattle over the past five years. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 1,249 cattle were seized, of which 710 were auctioned after owners failed to claim them. The remaining animals were either released after penalty payments or continue to remain in custody.

“Auctions are conducted strictly as per provisions of the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act and related by-laws, following due procedure,” the resolution said.

Residents across several neighbourhoods have welcomed the decision, citing frequent accidents and near-misses involving stray cattle.

“Stray cows suddenly crossing roads have become a daily hazard, especially for two-wheelers. We have been demanding strict action for years. Licensing and microchipping are long overdue,” said Ramesh, a resident of Mylapore.

Another resident from north Chennai said enforcement must be consistent. “The rules exist, but unless penalties are enforced without exception, the problem will continue. We hope this time the Corporation follows through,” said the resident.