Barkelo Ustekar along with his buffalo, which was injured in a leopard attack at Uste-Sattari.
THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
A buffalo was injured in a leopard attack at Bonkadwada in Uste-Sattari on Thursday.
The buffalo belongs to Barkelo Ladu Ustekar and is currently undergoing treatment.
According to information, Ustekar owns around 8 cattle. He usually wakes up at around 5 am every day to milk his animals. After milking them, he releases the cattle outside the cowshed and goes indoors.
At around 5.30 am, he suddenly heard one buffalo crying out in distress. As it was still dark, he and some local residents rushed outside with torches to investigate. During the search, they spotted a leopard fleeing from the spot. On reaching the location, they found that the buffalo had sustained injuries in the attack.
The buffalo was given preliminary treatment, following which a veterinary doctor was called to the spot to administer further treatment.
Sharing his distress, Ustekar said his family's livelihood depends entirely on agriculture and dairy farming.
“We were supplying around 6-8 litres of milk every day to the local milk cooperative society and the injury to the buffalo will severely affect our regular income,” said Ustekar.
Ustekar further claimed that his cattle had been targeted by wild animals on previous occasions. A few months ago, two of his cattle were attacked and killed, while some others went missing. These incidents have caused him substantial financial losses.
“Despite informing authorities about the incidents, I have not received any compensation for the losses,” he said.
Ustekar added that his family has been engaged in agriculture and cattle rearing for nearly 50 years.
“No member of our family is employed in a salaried job, and the traditional occupation passed down by my father remains our primary source of livelihood. However, repeated attacks by wild animals and the resulting financial losses have raised serious concerns about the future of our farming and dairy business,” Ustekar added.
