Stray cattle menace causes road accidents, safety concerns in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The growing menace of stray cattle roaming freely on the streets of Hyderabad has become a serious public safety concern, with residents and commuters facing an increasing number of road accidents and near-miss incidents caused by unattended animals, drawing sharp criticism over civic apathy in addressing the issue.

Rising incidents of accidents

The unchecked presence of stray cattle on busy roads and thoroughfares across Hyderabad has fuelled a spike in traffic accidents, with motorcyclists and other commuters particularly vulnerable to collisions with animals that wander onto carriageways without warning. The situation has left citizens questioning the ability of local authorities to manage what they describe as a worsening crisis affecting daily life in the city.

Civic authorities under fire

Residents have expressed mounting frustration with the municipal administration's failure to take effective action against the stray animal problem. The civic body has faced severe criticism for its inability to round up stray cattle and ensure that the city's roads remain safe for pedestrians and motorists alike. Citizens have pointed out that the issue has persisted for an extended period, with no visible improvement despite repeated complaints.

Safety fears grow among residents

Beyond road accidents, the presence of stray cattle has also heightened general safety fears among the public. Residents in several neighbourhoods have reported feeling unsafe, particularly during evening and nighttime hours, when visibility is low and the risk of encountering stray animals on roads increases significantly. Parents have voiced concerns about the safety of children walking to schools and playing in public spaces where cattle frequently roam.

The animal menace has also raised questions about the enforcement of existing regulations pertaining to cattle ownership and the responsibilities of livestock owners in urban areas. Critics argue that the lack of accountability for those who allow their animals to stray onto public roads has compounded the problem.

Calls for immediate action

Citizens and civil society groups have demanded that the relevant authorities take urgent steps to address the stray cattle problem, including launching dedicated drives to remove animals from roads and imposing penalties on negligent owners. The situation in Hyderabad reflects a broader challenge faced by several cities across Pakistan, where stray animals on roads continue to pose risks to commuters and pedestrians.

The issue remains unresolved as residents continue to bear the brunt of what they call a preventable public safety hazard, with growing calls for the civic administration to prioritise the matter before further loss of life or property occurs.