Target: R. Kannan, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Goal: Establish a 24/7 statewide animal-rescue highway helpline and investigate and, if warranted, prosecute anyone allegedly involved in a cow’s disappearance and suspected illegal removal.
A cow lay motionless on a highway median after being struck by a vehicle. Despite an immediate alert to authorities, the animal had vanished by the time a veterinary team arrived, as reported. This alleged disappearance has intensified fears that injured livestock are being opportunistically taken before lifesaving help can reach them.
Local welfare representatives warn that the absence of a dedicated, direct rescue channel often causes dangerous delays. Although various emergency numbers exist, the system is fragmented; responders rely on volunteers for on-scene manpower to move large, injured animals. During these gaps, activists allege that unregistered groups sometimes remove downed cattle from crash sites, raising grave concerns about potential illegal slaughter and the destruction of evidence.
To protect vulnerable animals and the public’s trust, swift structural fixes are needed. A single toll-free, 24/7 highway-rescue number integrated with police, fire, and veterinary services—plus GPS dispatching, trained heavy-lift support, and strict chain-of-custody protocols—would close exploitable delays. This petition calls for that helpline and for a thorough investigation into the cow’s alleged disappearance, with appropriate charges pursued against any parties allegedly involved in unlawful removal or cruelty.
PETITION LETTER:
Director Kannan,
A recent incident in which a highway-struck cow disappeared before veterinary responders could arrive has shocked residents and rescuers alike. As reported, the animal was photographed lying motionless and then was gone when the team reached the site. This alleged removal of an injured animal before assessment not only endangers the animal but also obstructs proper documentation and care.
Welfare advocates emphasize that the lack of a single, dedicated rescue helpline creates dangerous delays. In that window, unregistered actors have allegedly removed crash-injured cattle, prompting fears of illegal slaughter and lost evidence. These allegations warrant immediate, visible action to deter future harm.
We respectfully urge your office to establish a 24/7 toll-free highway animal-rescue helpline integrated with law enforcement, fire services, and government veterinary teams; equip rapid-response units with trained heavy-lift support; and issue clear protocols that prohibit any post-accident animal removal without official authorization. We also ask for a prompt, transparent investigation into this cow’s alleged disappearance and, if warranted by the findings, appropriate charges against any parties allegedly involved. These steps would save lives, discourage abuse, and restore public confidence in humane rescue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Nandhu Kumar
