Councillors have demanded that the GCC expedite the work on modern sheds to tackle the problem of stray cattle in various parts of the city. At least six modern cattle sheds proposed in zones such as Sholinganallur, Perungudi, and Alandur have yet to be completed.

AIADMK councillor J. John said the number of stray cattle had increased in areas such as Ambattur. “Residents have demanded measures to control stray cattle. GCC proposed a new cattle shed at Madanankuppam in ward 83, but the project was delayed owing to opposition by local residents,” he said.

DMK councillor T.V. Shemmozhi said the residents in Anna Nagar had complained about stray cattle. “The number of complaints has increased in ward 104,” he said.

Residents have also complained about a rise in the number of stray cattle on Marina beach. GCC officials said the civic body had planned to construct cattle sheds for 2,000 cows at 17 locations. Modern cattle sheds have been constructed at 11 locations in zones such as Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Royapuram, and Tondiarpet.

GCC will collect ₹10 per cow per day at the sheds. The civic body will impound stray cattle and impose a fine of ₹10,000 on their owners, said an official. The civic body will conduct a census of stray cattle this year. According to the census in 2023, the number of stray cattle was estimated at 23,000 in the city.