Chennai, 30 January (H.S.) : The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced a mandatory licensing and microchipping policy for all cattle and buffalo owners within city limits, effective immediately with a compliance deadline of March 18, 2026. This initiative extends similar measures previously implemented for pet dogs and aims to mitigate the persistent issue of stray cattle on urban roads.
Official GCC data indicate that approximately 22,875 cattle are reared within corporation limits. A substantial portion roam freely, contributing to traffic disruptions, public safety hazards, and sanitation challenges. In enforcement actions during 2024 and 2025, authorities impounded 4,237 cattle, collecting fines totaling Rs. 2.22 crore. Broader figures from 2021 to 2025 show 16,692 cattle impounded with Rs. 4.43 crore recovered in penalties, underscoring the scale of the problem.
Under the new framework, owners must apply for licenses at zonal veterinary offices, submitting details for field verification by veterinary officers and health inspectors. A license fee of Rs. 100 is required, with application forms accessible via the GCC website. Concurrently, each animal receives an implantable microchip encoding owner name, address, and animal identification data. The corporation plans to procure 25,000 microchips and 25 readers to support implementation.
GCC officials describe the policy as a means to enhance traceability, prevent repeat violations by identifying habitual offenders, and regulate urban cattle rearing. It aligns with national and state legislation, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; the Animal Diseases Control Act, 2009; and the Tamil Nadu Keeping of Animals and Birds in Urban Areas Act, 1997. Non-compliance may result in fines—previously Rs. 10,000 per animal—or other penalties, with impounded cattle released only upon undertakings against roaming.
The core scientific innovation involves radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchipping, a subcutaneous implantation technique using biocompatible chips (typically 12-15 mm long) that store unique identifiers readable by handheld scanners. This technology, widely adopted in livestock management globally, enables rapid, non-invasive owner verification and supports data integration for enforcement. Benefits include improved accountability, reduced stray populations through deterrence, and potential for geo-fencing extensions (as piloted in prior discussions). No adverse health impacts are reported when performed by trained veterinarians.
While no independent veterinary experts or scientists are directly quoted in announcements, the approach mirrors successful urban animal control strategies elsewhere, prioritizing traceability over punitive measures alone. Analysts view it as a progressive step toward sustainable urban livestock management, though success depends on compliance rates and infrastructure rollout.
This policy reflects GCC's broader animal welfare strategy, transitioning from reactive impoundment to proactive registration and technology-driven oversight.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
