Cow Hit by a Car in India: What to Do and Who to Call (2026)

/ Cattle & Livestock / By

Numbers and services can change. Last checked against official sources on 08-10-2026. In an emergency, call 112 first.

Cows and bulls on Indian roads are a real hazard, especially at night. If you hit one, or see one hit, the first few minutes matter for your safety and the animal’s. This guide covers what to do and who to call. For more on cattle care, visit our cow hub.

First: make the scene safe

  1. Pull over safely and switch on your hazard lights.
  2. Check people first. If anyone is hurt, call 112. It’s India’s single emergency number for police, health, fire and other services. [S1]
  3. Warn other traffic with a warning triangle or by asking someone to signal, from a safe position off the road.
  4. Keep your distance from the animal. An injured cow or bull is frightened and heavy, and can kick or lunge.

Don’t try to move it yourself

An adult cow can weigh several hundred kilograms. Dragging it can injure you and worsen its injuries. Keep traffic away from it and wait for help. Only shift it if you have trained help and it’s in immediate danger from traffic.

Who to call

  • 112: for any danger to people or traffic, or if the police are needed. [S1]
  • 1033, on NHAI national highways: NHAI’s highway helpline gives 24×7 help to road users on NHAI’s tolled stretches, including arranging ambulances, highway patrol vehicles and cranes for road accidents. [S2]
  • 1962, for veterinary help: the toll-free number for Mobile Veterinary Units, which provide diagnosis, treatment and minor surgery for livestock. [S3] It’s meant for farmers’ animals and isn’t available in every area, but it’s worth trying for an injured cow.
  • Your municipality: most city corporations have a cattle or veterinary department. For example, Ahmedabad’s Cattle Nuisance Control Department runs an animal ambulance for sick animals, on 079-25359650. [S4]

What to tell them

  • The exact location: highway number and kilometre stone, or a landmark
  • How many animals, and whether they’re still on the road
  • The animal’s condition: standing, lying down, bleeding
  • Whether any person or vehicle is involved

Cattle on highways is now a Supreme Court issue

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 specialised transport vehicles, holding and shelter facilities, and arrangements with animal welfare organisations and gaushalas. [S5]

Afterwards

  • Take photos of the scene, your vehicle and the location.
  • If the cow has an owner, note any identification such as an ear tag.
  • Inform your vehicle insurer about any damage.

The Pawsitive Hoomans Take

Save 112, 1033 and 1962 in your phone before your next highway trip. In the moment, your job is to keep people safe and get trained help to the animal, not to handle a large, injured animal yourself. Driving slower at night on roads with cattle is the best prevention of all.

🐄 Keep cattle? Our free Vaccination Tracker builds a cattle schedule based on NDDB guidance, and a Pet Passport keeps each animal’s records, including its ear tag number.

Read more: how to report stray cattle on the road and reflective collars for street cows.

Frequently asked questions

Who do I call if a cow is hit on the highway?

112 if anyone is hurt or traffic is at risk. [S1] On NHAI tolled highways, the 1033 helpline arranges help for road accidents. [S2] For veterinary help, try 1962. [S3]

Should I move an injured cow off the road?

Not on your own. It’s heavy and frightened, and moving it can hurt you and the animal. Keep traffic away and wait for trained help.

What is the 1962 number?

The toll-free number for Mobile Veterinary Units, which give veterinary care to livestock. [S3]

Is anything being done about cattle on highways?

Yes. The Supreme Court has directed NHAI and the states to set up a system to handle stray cattle on national highways. [S5]

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] Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Lok Sabha Unstarred Question 1267 (30 July 2024) – eparlib.nic.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
  • [S4] Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Cattle Nuisance Control Department – ahmedabadcity.gov.in – Last checked: 08-10-2026
  • [S5] 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 government body. If a person is hurt, call 112 immediately.