The concern of 1.5 million stray cattle in Uttar Pradesh continues to be an issue the state faces. As part of this campaign, the state has seized stray cattle in its 20 districts between September 13 to 19, 2024. Catching only 50% of these strays is not a significant achievement. The issue of 1.5 million stray cattle in UP persists in most places of districts like Unnao, Badaun, and Prayagraj.
While Unnao managed to achieve a maximum of 1,240 targeted stray cattle, it could manage only 943. Bareilly succeeded in catching only 189 of the 663 targeted cattle. Such is the issue with the rising number of stray cattle in Uttar Pradesh: the constant unlocking of unproductive cattle by farmers, especially male calves.
The Livestock Census of 2019 covered 11.84 lakh stray cattle, but above 14 lakh have already been rounded up since 2018. More importantly, with still complaints galore amid 7,000 cow protection centres spread across the state, critics feel that 1.5 million stray cattle on roads in Uttar Pradesh cause road accidents, sometimes even with fatalities too, especially on highways. Frustrated public voices are much amplified through social media while asking for better solutions.
1.5 Million stray cattle in Uttar Pradesh are problematic: Social media users raise their voices
A user wrote:
“Count the number of accidents and deaths as a result of stray cattle on the roads. It’s unimaginable. Just saying that cows are our mothers doesn’t help anyone.”
The government spends ₹50 on food for each animal daily but managing cow shelters presents a huge financial burden. Implementation of anti-cow slaughter laws and poor planning by farmers to neglect unproductive cattle are other reasons for this problem. Social media has been vocal and pointed out the accidents and the public safety dangers posed by stray cattle.
While the state government tries opening more cow protection centres, this is one other complicated issue of rural economics, politics, and animal welfare with 1.5 million stray cattle in Uttar Pradesh. They demand harsher punishments for deserting cattle and better shelters as well as support for farmers to tackle this endemic problem.
One of the users wrote:
“No grasslands left, no caretakers, and the government does nothing. Stray cattle roam the roads, causing thousands of accidents. This is a total failure—abandoning both the animals and the people.”
Another user pointed out:
“The biggest reason is the enforcement of anti-cow slaughter laws across many states in India, including Uttar Pradesh, has led to an increase in stray cattle. Without a market for these animals, farmers often abandon them, especially male calves which have little economic utility in dairy farming.”
