Panchkula, Sept. 3 -- Levies Rs.80,000 in fines

In the first phase of a state-wide "Stray Cattle-Free" campaign, the Panchkula municipal corporation (MC) impounded a total of 457 cattle between August 1 and August 31. The impounded animals primarily included cows, along with 10-15 buffaloes and 7 mules. The MC also collected fines totaling Rs.80,000 from the owners, though many have yet to claim their animals.

Of the total cattle caught, 170 were captured by the MC's own teams, while a contractor was responsible for catching 287. According to an MC officer, a significant number of these were milch cows whose owners had deliberately let them loose in open areas to graze. Most of the animals were captured from areas including Sectors 15, ...