Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Vemulawada Goshala Plans Changes After Five Bull Deaths
Five bulls died at a temple animal shelter in Vemulawada.
Officials visited the shelter to examine the situation.
They decided to keep large and small bulls apart.
They also plan to give more bulls to farmers.
About 500 bulls are currently at the shelter.
A veterinarian said some bulls were hurt when animals were moved together.
Other bulls were weak, sick or became ill after long journeys.
Temple officials said the shelter is cleaned and the animals receive medical care.
Opposition leaders said the deaths showed negligence, but temple authorities disagreed.
Authorities will separate large and small bulls at the Vemulawada temple goshala.
Officials plan to distribute more bulls among farmers to reduce overcrowding.
The goshala currently houses around 500 bulls, with 2,100 already distributed.
Veterinary officials attributed deaths to injuries, illness and transport-related sickness.
Opposition parties blamed poor hygiene and negligence, claims temple authorities rejected.
- Who
- Five bulls died; temple officials, veterinary officers, MLA Adi Srinivas and opposition leaders addressed the situation.
- What
- Authorities decided to separate large and small bulls and increase distribution to farmers after the deaths.
- When
- The five bulls died on Tuesday, and officials reviewed the goshala on Wednesday.
- Where
- The goshala of the Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Thippapur, Vemulawada.
- Why
- Officials said overcrowding, injuries, illness and transport-related sickness contributed to the deaths; opposition parties alleged negligence and unhygienic conditions.
Authorities’ and Veterinarian’s Explanation
Opposition’s Allegations
Cause of the deaths
Authorities’ and Veterinarian’s Explanation
Veterinary doctor S. Ramakrishna said deaths resulted from injuries, weak or diseased animals, and illnesses affecting some bulls transported from distant places.
Opposition’s Allegations
BJP state secretary Pratapa Ramakrishna alleged that negligence by temple authorities caused the deaths.
Goshala conditions
Authorities’ and Veterinarian’s Explanation
The veterinarian rejected unhygienic-condition allegations, saying the facility was regularly cleaned and animals were examined, treated and vaccinated.
Opposition’s Allegations
Opposition parties alleged that unhygienic conditions were responsible for the deaths.
Management priorities
Authorities’ and Veterinarian’s Explanation
Authorities emphasized separating animals and distributing more bulls to farmers to reduce pressure on the facility.
Opposition’s Allegations
Pratapa Ramakrishna accused temple authorities of giving greater importance to revenue than goshala maintenance.
- Deaths
- Five bulls died on Tuesday.
- Current population
- Around 500 bulls are housed at the goshala.
- Planned change
- Large and small bulls will be kept separately.
- Distribution record
- Officials said 2,100 bulls had been distributed to farmers in 10 phases.
- Next distribution
- The 11th phase of distribution is expected to begin soon.
- Animal care
- Temple officials said the goshala is cleaned regularly and bulls receive health checks, treatment and vaccinations.
- Source of animals
- The goshala houses bulls donated by devotees as part of the Kodemokku ritual.