Numbers and services can change. Last checked against official sources on 08-10-2026. If there’s an immediate danger to traffic, call 112.
Stray cattle on roads put drivers, riders and the animals themselves at risk. Most cities have a department responsible for them, but few people know how to reach it. This guide explains who to report to, depending on where the cattle are. For more on cattle care, visit our cow hub.
Who to report to
Immediate danger to traffic: 112
112 is India’s single emergency number for police and other services. [S1] Use it if cattle are blocking a busy road at night or have caused an accident.
On an NHAI national highway: 1033
NHAI’s 1033 helpline gives 24×7 help to road users on NHAI’s tolled stretches, for emergency and non-emergency issues. [S2] Give the highway number and nearest kilometre stone.
In a city or town: your municipal corporation
Stray cattle in towns and cities are usually the municipality’s responsibility. Some examples of official routes:
- Haryana (all urban local bodies): report through the eSamadhan DULB Haryana app, under “Grievance Related to Other Services of ULB” → “Stray Cattle/Monkey Catching/Dead Animal”. There’s no fee, the stated time limit is 2 days, and you get an SMS when it’s resolved. [S3]
- Ahmedabad: AMC’s Cattle Nuisance Control Department, 079-25359650. [S4] See our guide to stray cattle in Ahmedabad.
- Mumbai: MCGM’s Cattle Pound Office, Malad West, 022-28820296. [S5]
For other cities, look for a “cattle”, “veterinary” or “cattle pound” department on your municipal corporation’s website, or use its general complaint helpline.
What to include in your report
- The exact location, with a landmark or kilometre stone
- How many animals there are
- The time of day they’re usually there, if it’s a regular problem
- Whether any look injured or sick
- A photo, if you can take one safely
Note your complaint number and the date, and follow up if nothing happens within the stated time.
Highways are now under a Supreme Court direction
In its 19 May 2026 judgment, the Supreme Court directed NHAI, with the states, to set up a time-bound system for stray cattle and other animals on national highways and expressways. This includes transport vehicles for safely relocating them, holding and shelter facilities, arrangements with gaushalas and animal welfare organisations, and a monitoring framework. [S6]
Realistic expectations
Municipal cattle teams are often stretched, and the same animals may return if their owners let them roam. Regular reports from the same spot build a record that helps the municipality prioritise. Reflective collars on street cattle can reduce night-time accidents in the meantime; see our guide to reflective collars for street cows.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
Most stray cattle once had owners, and reporting them gets them off dangerous roads and, ideally, into care. Save your city’s cattle department number and 1033, and report early, before an accident happens rather than after.
🐄 Keep cattle? Our free Vaccination Tracker builds a cattle schedule based on NDDB guidance, and a Pet Passport keeps each animal’s records.
Read more: what to do if a cow is hit by a car.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call about stray cattle on a highway?
NHAI’s 1033 helpline on its tolled stretches [S2], or 112 if there’s immediate danger. [S1]
Who is responsible for stray cattle in cities?
Usually the municipal corporation. Ahmedabad, for example, has a Cattle Nuisance Control Department [S4], and Haryana’s urban local bodies take complaints through the eSamadhan app. [S3]
How long does it take to remove stray cattle in Haryana?
The stated time limit for the “Removal of Stray Cattle” service is 2 days. [S3]
Has the Supreme Court said anything about cattle on highways?
Yes. On 19 May 2026 it directed NHAI and the states to set up a system to handle stray cattle on national highways. [S6]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] Ministry of Home Affairs, Emergency Response Support System (112) – mha.gov.in – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S2] Indian Highways Management Company Ltd (NHAI), 1033 National Highway Helpline – ihmcl.co.in – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S3] Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Haryana, “Removal of Stray Cattle” service – ulbharyana.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S4] Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Cattle Nuisance Control Department – ahmedabadcity.gov.in – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S5] MCGM, contact details of Dog Control Offices and Cattle Pound Office – mcgm.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S6] Supreme Court of India, judgment dated 19 May 2026 (2026 INSC 506), para 108(G) – sci.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with NHAI or any municipal corporation.