Last checked against official sources on 20-10-2026. The penalties below come from MCD’s 2010 policy; confirm current amounts with MCD.
Stray cattle on Delhi’s roads are a danger to commuters and to the animals themselves. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has powers to catch and impound them, and a complaint system for residents. This guide explains how to report, and what MCD’s own cattle policy says happens next. For more on cattle care, visit our cow hub.
How to report stray cattle to MCD
MCD’s official complaint channel is the MCD 311 app. MCD says citizens can register civic complaints on it 24×7, by uploading a photo and the location, and track the status. [S2]
When you report, include:
- the exact location and a landmark
- how many animals there are, and whether they block traffic
- a clear photo
- whether any animal looks injured or sick
Keep the complaint number, so you can follow up if nothing happens.
What MCD’s cattle policy says
MCD’s policy on licences for dairies and cattle, recommended by its Standing Committee on 31 March 2010 (Resolution No. 962) and approved by the Corporation, sets out these rules: [S1]
- The legal power: under Section 418 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, 1957, MCD may seize cattle and have them impounded or removed. [S1]
- No notice needed: a cow or buffalo found roaming on roads, parks, streets or public land may be impounded by MCD without serving any notice. [S1]
- First release: impounded animals are released to the owner the first time against a minimum penalty of Rs 5,000 per animal. [S1]
- Second release: an enhanced penalty of Rs 10,000 per animal. [S1]
- After that: if the cattle still stray, legal proceedings may be initiated, and such cattle will not be released again from the cattle ponds, gosadans or gaushalas. [S1] (The policy cites Section 289 of the IPC and Section 98 of the Delhi Police Act. [S1] The IPC has since been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.)
- Where cattle go: the policy refers to cattle ponds, gosadans and gaushalas. [S1]
If you keep a cow or buffalo in Delhi
- The policy covers licences under Section 417 of the DMC Act, including registration or licensing for keeping one cow or buffalo for domestic use. [S1]
- For a domestic cow or buffalo, the policy sets a minimum shed space of 12 square metres (130 square feet), one licence per premises, and a notional fee of Re 1 a year in urban areas. [S1]
- Temples and ashrams can be licensed for up to four cows at Re 1 a year. [S1]
- Dairies in authorised dairy colonies pay a licence fee of Rs 500 a year plus a processing fee of Rs 250. [S1]
Letting your animals roam is what triggers impounding and the penalties above.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
Most “stray” cattle in Delhi have owners. Reporting them early, with a photo and exact location, gets them off dangerous roads. If you see an injured animal, report it and stay at a safe distance; a frightened, hurt cow can kick.
🐄 If you keep cattle, our free Vaccination Tracker builds a cattle schedule, and a Pet Passport keeps each animal’s ear tag and records together.
Related: how to report stray cattle on the road anywhere in India.
Frequently asked questions
How do I complain about stray cattle in Delhi?
Register a complaint on MCD’s official MCD 311 app with a photo and the location, and track it there. [S2]
Can MCD take cattle without notice?
Yes. MCD’s policy says a cow or buffalo found roaming may be impounded without serving any notice. [S1]
What is the fine to get impounded cattle back in Delhi?
MCD’s 2010 policy sets a minimum of Rs 5,000 per animal for the first release and Rs 10,000 for the second; after that, the cattle are not released. [S1] Confirm current amounts with MCD.
Do I need a licence to keep a cow in Delhi?
MCD’s policy provides for registration or licensing even for one cow or buffalo kept for domestic use, with a notional fee of Re 1 a year in urban areas. [S1]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Policy for Grant of Licenses under Section 417 of the DMC Act, 1957 for Running of Dairies (Standing Committee Resolution No. 962, 31-03-2010) – mcdonline.nic.in – Last checked: 20-10-2026
- [S2] Municipal Corporation of Delhi, official account on X, MCD 311 app – x.com/MCD_Delhi and x.com/MCD_Delhi (24×7 post) – Last checked: 20-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. This is general information, not legal advice.