Stray Horses Create New Headaches for Chennai's Annanur Residents
People living in Annanur, a locality near Avadi in Chennai, are dealing with a fresh challenge. Stray horses have joined the existing problems of cattle and dogs. At least twenty of these animals now roam areas under Avadi corporation limits. Their presence raises serious safety and hygiene concerns for the community.
Sanitation Suffers as Horses Scatter Waste
Local residents report that the horses feed on open rubbish dumped along the streets. They often topple waste bins and scatter litter across roads. This behavior worsens the already poor sanitation conditions in the neighborhood. The situation appears particularly severe along 60 Feet Station road. Garbage pile-ups there remain unattended for days, creating an unhealthy environment.
Road Safety Fears Grow Among Commuters
Motorists and pedestrians express growing apprehension about road safety. The presence of these animals on the road, combined with poor visibility at night, creates hazardous conditions. R Sivaraman, vice president of the Sivasakthi Nagar residents welfare association, notes the issue has escalated over the past two months.
"Unlike stray cattle, these horses seem to have no owners," Sivaraman explains. "We don't know where they came from. Authorities can trace cattle owners and impose fines, but there are no clear regulations for dealing with stray horses."
Daily Life Disrupted for Local Residents
Sivaraman adds that residents of 45th, 44th, and 40th Streets are especially affected. "School students, office-goers, and daily commuters struggle to pass through these areas," he says. "The stench and littered waste make movement difficult. Though no attacks have been reported so far, people fear being chased or injured. The corporation must act before a serious accident occurs."
Existing Animal Problems Compound the Crisis
G Chellachamy, secretary of the residents welfare association, points out that stray dogs and cattle already pose major risks on the busy 60 Feet Road. "Poor lighting makes it difficult to spot animals at night," Chellachamy states. "Dogs running across the road have already caused accidents involving two-wheelers. Now horses add another layer of danger."
Corporation Officials Promise Action
When contacted, Avadi corporation officials said they were not previously aware of the stray horse issue. "We usually receive complaints about stray cattle and dogs," an official stated. "We did not receive any specific complaints about stray horses. However, we will look into the matter promptly."
The arrival of these unclaimed horses highlights a growing urban management challenge. Residents hope for swift intervention to restore safety and cleanliness to their streets.
