A cow hit on the Tiruchi–Thanjavur National Highway on Sunday went missing before veterinary officials could reach the spot, despite Minister for Industries T.R.B. Rajaa promising swift action based on a picture posted by a volunteer on social medai site X. The incident has once again brought into focus lack of a dedicated animal rescue helpline and the operations of illegal slaughter groups on highways.
It all began when a user on X flagged the accident near Asur on Sunday evening saying that the cow hit by a vehicle lay motionless on the median. By 6.34 p.m., Mr. Rajaa responded stating that he had alerted the Thanjavur district administration and that “the animal will be rescued at the earliest.” The Thanjavur SPCA clarified that Asur fell under Tiruchi district and alerted the Tiruchi Animal Husbandry department.
An animal welfare volunteer from a nearby locality rushed to the spot, photographed the cow lying injured, and shared it online. However, with his phone battery drained, he returned home to recharge it. By the time a veterinary team from Tiruchi reached the spot, the cow was not there at the spot and the volunteer’s phone was switched off.
“Though the Minister responded immediately, lack of a direct rescue channel meant the case was delayed and could not be followed up properly,” said G. Ramakrishnan, District Honorary Animal Welfare Representative (AWBI). He stressed that such delays often allowed illegal groups to collect animals hit on highways.
