Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 7: Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, has sought an independent and impartial inquiry into the death of a seven-month pregnant cow at the Cattle Pound in Dollygunj, alleging serious deficiencies in the manner in which stray and impounded cattle are being handled, transported and maintained.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the MP stated that the cow, reportedly valued at approximately Rs. 50,000, died on September 18, 2026, while under detention at the cattle pound. According to the complaint, the animal allegedly suffered injuries and did not receive adequate food, water, veterinary attention and necessary medical treatment during its detention.
The MP said he had personally visited the Dollygunj Cattle Pound on September 18 and observed several deficiencies concerning the infrastructure and arrangements for the detained animals. He alleged that the existing cattle pound is small, congested and unsuitable for safely housing the number of cattle being impounded. The facility, according to the complaint, does not appear to provide adequate space, ventilation, shelter, sanitation and other basic requirements necessary for humane detention and care of animals.
The letter also raised concerns regarding the availability of drinking water and fodder. It alleged that there was no proper and assured arrangement for providing adequate food, fodder and drinking water to cattle during their period of detention.
The MP further sought an examination of the veterinary arrangements at the cattle pound. He stated that impounded cattle, particularly injured, sick and pregnant animals, require timely veterinary examination and treatment, but such facilities did not appear to be adequately available.
The complaint specifically referred to the case of the seven-month pregnant cow belonging to Smt. Saraswathi of Dollygunj. According to information received from cattle owners and local persons, the cow was reportedly found on or around September 11 and was subsequently impounded by the Municipal Council.
It was further alleged that the cow was lifted and handled using a rope around its neck with the assistance of earth-moving or JCB-type equipment before being loaded into a vehicle for transportation to the cattle pound. The complaint also alleged that the cow sustained injuries during the lifting and loading process and was allegedly pushed or forced onto the ground while being unloaded at the cattle pound.
The MP termed the reported method of handling as a serious animal welfare concern and called for appropriate hydraulic or lifting equipment and specially designed animal-transport vehicles to ensure that cattle are not subjected to unnecessary pain, injury or distress during loading, transportation and unloading.
Seeking accountability, Bishnu Pada Ray requested that the Administration constitute a competent committee comprising experts in veterinary science, animal husbandry and animal welfare to inspect the existing cattle pound and examine its infrastructure, sanitation, ventilation, shelter, water and feeding arrangements.
The proposed inquiry would also examine whether regular veterinary examinations are being conducted, whether injured, sick and pregnant animals receive appropriate medical attention, and whether proper records are maintained regarding impounding, feeding, treatment and release or disposal of cattle. The circumstances surrounding the death of the pregnant cow should also be properly recorded and investigated, he said.
The MP has further sought consideration of compensation or ex-gratia assistance to Smt. Saraswathi, noting that the cow was a pregnant animal reportedly valued at approximately Rs. 50,000 and died while under the custody and detention of the Municipal Council.
He also called for establishment of a properly designed and adequately sized cattle pound at a suitable location, with sufficient space, shelter, drinking-water facilities, feeding arrangements, veterinary facilities and sanitation.
Ray urged the Administration to take appropriate corrective and preventive measures and determine responsibility, if any, for alleged improper handling, transportation, inadequate feeding and lack of timely veterinary care. He also requested urgent
