India"s cow-catching teams tackle stray cattle chaos on roads

In March, Satish Sharma, a 45-year-old lawyer, faced a dangerous situation while riding his scooter home in Gurgaon, a suburb of southern Delhi. He encountered a group of stray cattle blocking the road, which is a common issue in the area. As he approached, two cows began fighting and unexpectedly turned their aggression towards him, resulting in an attack that caused him to fall and dislocate his shoulder. This incident highlights the growing problem of stray cattle in urban areas of India. The presence of approximately five million abandoned cows roaming freely across the country has led to increasing chaos on the roads. Drivers often find themselves navigating through congested traffic while also being cautious of these animals, which can pose serious risks. The situation has prompted local authorities to take action, as road deaths related to stray cattle have been on the rise. To address this issue, cow-catching teams have been formed to capture these stray animals. They employ methods such as using food as bait and ropes for lassoes to round up the cattle. This task is not only challenging but also carries a degree of unease, as the teams must handle unpredictable animals in busy urban environments. The ongoing struggle with stray cattle reflects broader issues of animal abandonment and urban planning in India. As cities expand, the management of stray animals becomes increasingly critical to ensure the safety of both residents and the animals themselves. Without effective solutions, incidents like Sharma's may continue to occur, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle this problem.