Chennai makes microchips licences mandatory for cattle to control stray menace
Under the new regulation from the Chennai Corporation, cattle owners across all 15 zones must implant a microchip in their animals and obtain a licence from the corporation. The microchip will store vital details including the animal's breed, age, colour, health status, and the owner's name, address, and contact information.
Chennai: In a significant move to tackle the perennial problem of stray cattle on roads, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has passed a resolution mandating compulsory microchipping and licensing for all cows and buffaloes within city limits. The decision, taken at the Council meeting on Friday (January 30, 2026), aims to hold owners accountable, reduce accidents, and ease traffic disruptions caused by freely roaming animals.
New GCC Rule: How the Cattle Microchipping and Licensing System Will Work
Under the new regulation, cattle owners across all 15 zones must implant a microchip in their animals and obtain a licence from the corporation. The microchip will store vital details including the animal's breed, age, colour, health status, and the owner's name, address, and contact information. This will allow civic officials to instantly identify the owner of any stray cattle caught on the streets. A parallel licensing system will be enforced, with fines imposed on owners who let their unlicensed or unchipped cattle loose in public spaces.
Addressing a Recurring Problem: From Unidentified Owners to Direct Accountability
Corporation officials highlighted that the existing practice of impounding stray cattle and imposing fines was often ineffective due to the difficulty in identifying owners. The new system is designed to eliminate this loophole, enabling authorities to easily track repeat offenders and take stricter action. The GCC stated that the measure is primarily driven by increasing public complaints about traffic hazards, accidents, and safety risks posed by stray cattle, with the goal of finding a "permanent solution."
Mixed Reactions: Cattle Owners Worry About Cost and Compliance
While the civic body frames the policy as a step towards better urban management and public safety, it has sparked concern among cattle owners. Many have raised apprehensions about the cost of microchipping, the complexity of registration procedures, and the fear of penalties. The GCC has advised owners to complete the required formalities promptly to avoid fines.
This move follows a similar mandate for pet dog licensing and microchipping, reflecting the corporation's broader strategy to use digital tracking for better animal and civic management in the metropolis. The success of the initiative will hinge on effective implementation, owner cooperation, and sustained enforcement.