Residents of Trichy are confronting a new and unexpected challenge on their streets and walking tracks. Following persistent issues with stray cattle, the city now has to deal with ponies and donkeys freely roaming public areas, particularly near Khajamalai.
A Shift in Strategy by Animal Owners
The Trichy Corporation had formed a special team to catch stray cattle during night hours, a move that initially showed results. Locals confirm that nighttime cattle movement has significantly reduced. However, this has led to a tactical change by livestock owners. To avoid seizures and the accompanying penalties, they are now releasing their animals in the morning.
H Ghouse Baig, a resident of Khajamalai, reported that donkeys and ponies have been seen on multiple days along the walking tracks between the Khajamalai Anna Sports Stadium and Thanthai Periyar Government Arts College. Senior citizens and other morning walkers have been surprised to find these animals on pavements.
Daytime Menace and Ongoing Hotspots
As a result, the sight of bovines and ponies crossing roads and grazing on plants in road medians has become a common daytime occurrence. While the local body maintains that the overall stray cattle count has decreased, several key areas continue to suffer.
Until November 2025, the corporation had impounded over 800 stray cattle and auctioned those that were unclaimed. Officials had used public address systems to warn owners in notorious zones like Subramaniapuram, Woraiyur, Vayalur Road, and Thiruverumbur. Despite these efforts, problematic stretches persist, including Jail Corner near Trichy airport, Puthur Main Road near Woraiyur, and Khajamalai Racecourse Road.
Corporation's Cautious Daytime Plan
A senior corporation official acknowledged the complexities of daytime operations. Catching cattle during the day carries risks, as the animals might become agitated and pose a danger to the public on busy roads. The official stated that enforcement would be carefully intensified during daylight hours to address the new pattern adopted by owners.
The situation highlights an ongoing struggle between municipal authorities and livestock owners, with the peace and safety of Trichy's residents caught in the middle. The arrival of ponies and donkeys to the list of stray animals adds a new dimension to the city's urban management challenges.
