Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Chennai Mandates Licensing, Microchipping for Cattle
The Greater Chennai Corporation has made it a rule that all cattle owners must get a license and put a microchip in their animals.
This is to stop cows from wandering on the roads and causing accidents.
Owners have 45 days to follow this rule, or they will have to pay a big fine.
The city has also built new places to keep the cows that are caught.
People in the city are happy because they think this will make the roads safer.
The city has been catching and fining stray cows for years, and this new rule is to make sure everyone follows the rules.
Greater Chennai Corporation mandates licensing and microchipping of cattle to curb stray cattle menace.
Owners have a 45-day deadline to comply, with fines of Rs. 10,000 per animal for non-compliance.
Modern cattle sheds are being operationalized to house seized animals, with one in Royapuram having a capacity of 550 animals.
Data shows a significant increase in cattle seizures and fines collected between 2021 and 2025.
Residents welcome the decision, citing frequent accidents and near-misses involving stray cattle.
- Who
- Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC)
- What
- Mandatory licensing and microchipping of cattle
- When
- Deadline for compliance is March 18
- Where
- Chennai, India
- Why
- To curb the growing stray cattle menace and ensure public safety
- Deadline for Compliance
- March 18
- Fine for Stray Cattle
- Rs. 10,000 per animal
- Cattle Seized (2021-2025)
- 1,249
- Fines Collected (2021-2025)
- Rs. 2.22 crore
- Cattle Auctioned (2021-2025)
- 710
- Capacity of Royapuram Cattle Shed
- 550 animals