The Municipal Corporation of Delhi plans to increase the minimum fine imposed on owners of cattle found roaming on the streets to Rs 5,000.

As of now, owners claim their animals from the Corporation within seven days and only have to pay for expenses incurred on account of seizure and feeding the cattle.

“The amount collected is very nominal and the owners are careless. We now want to create a system that is more effective and acts as a deterrent,” Municipal Commissioner K S Mehra said.

To curb instances of cattle roaming on the roads, the Corporation will increase the fine for every consecutive violation. If a cow is caught by the Corporation for the first time, its owner will pay a penalty of Rs 5,000.

“The Corporation will then micro chip the cow. This micro chip will have the details of ownership. If the cow is seized for a second time, the owner will have to pay a penalty of Rs 10,000,” the commissioner said.

If the owner again fails to take care of the cow, he or she will be booked under Section 289 of the IPC for negligent conduct with respect to animals, and Section 99 of the Delhi Police Act — trespassing by cattle on public or private property.

The third time the Corporation will also have the right to auction the animal.

“The High Court has directed the Corporation will have the rights over cattle after they are seized for the third time,” Mehra said.

... contd.