Amritsar, December 24, 2025: Former Punjab MLA and ex-Chief Parliamentary Secretary Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu has written to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) national president Dr Parveen Bhai Togria, seeking urgent intervention to address the growing stray animal menace and alleged encroachment on government land reserved for cattle in Punjab.
In her letter dated December 24, 2025, Dr Sidhu highlighted that nearly 1.25 lakh acres of Gaucharan (grazing) land meant for cows has been encroached upon, severely impacting efforts to manage stray cattle. She stressed the need to reclaim this land to safely relocate stray animals and ensure their upkeep through cow cess funds and public donations.
Dr Sidhu called for strict punishment against individuals who abandon stray animals on roads, leading to frequent accidents and loss of life. She proposed compulsory tagging and registration of all stray animals to enable tracking, along with the use of reflective neck bands to prevent road mishaps during night hours.
Raising concern over illegal animal trafficking, Dr Sidhu said proper monitoring of stray cattle could also help curb unlawful transportation for human consumption, which she claimed has become a worrying trend in parts of Punjab and Chandigarh. She also sought transparency in the collection and utilisation of cow cess funds across the state.
The former legislator further advocated for the inclusion of stray dogs under the same framework, proposing the establishment of dog shelters on reclaimed Gaucharan land. She emphasised that such land was historically donated by Maharajas for animal welfare and should be restored for that purpose.
Warning of public agitation if no action is taken, Dr Sidhu said she would launch an aandolan and yatra across Punjab with the support of VHP members, animal welfare groups, NGOs, road accident victims, and concerned citizens. She added that growing fear of road accidents and dog bites has united people across ideological lines on the issue.
Dr Sidhu concluded by stating that decisive action on the stray animal crisis would earn the lifelong gratitude of the people of Punjab, underscoring the issue as one of public safety, animal welfare, and administrative accountability.
