Cow, newborn calf left to fend for themselves

| S VENKATESHWARAN |

A cow and its newborn calf were rescued after being left
unattended for nearly 36 hours in a vacant plot on Lakshmi
Street, near 100 Feet Road, behind Universal Supermarket in
Nanganallur.
According to local residents, the calf was born on the afternoon
of Saturday, June 27, 2026. The calf was too weak to stand,
while the hungry mother cow wandered around the area in
search of food. Kind-hearted residents provided food and water
whenever possible. They also informed a cowherd, Greater
Chennai Corporation sanitation workers, and other persons, but
no immediate help was forthcoming.
As heavy rain fell that night, the cow and its calf remained
under a tree for shelter. The incident was also shared in the
Nanganallur Facebook community, hoping that someone would
rescue the animals, but no action was taken.
The following day, residents contacted another cattle-owner
from TNGO Colony. He identified the cow as belonging to a
cattle-owner from Alwar Nagar and informed the owner.
Although the owner visited the spot, he left without taking the
animals. Later in the evening, he returned, placed the calf in
front of his two-wheeler, and took it away, while the mother cow
followed behind.

Residents said the owner was familiar with the vacant plot, as
several of his cows had reportedly given birth there in the past.
They expressed concern over the lack of timely care provided
to the hungry cow and the helpless calf.
The incident has raised concerns about the responsibility of
cattle owners in urban areas. Residents have appealed for
greater accountability from cattle-owners and suggested that
emergency contact numbers of local cattle-owners be
published along with important emergency numbers such as
the police, fire and rescue services and blood donation helpline.
They also requested better coordination so that similar
incidents can be reported and attended to quickly in the future.
Local residents hope that this incident will create awareness
and encourage responsible care for animals, ensuring that such
situations do not happen again.