The stray cattle problem is nothing new to Goa. The number of stray cattle (cows, bulls and calves) roaming the streets of Goa, squatting on pavements, and ruminating over garbage bins, is not only a public nuisance, but poses a grave danger to motorists, especially at nights.
Stray cattle also leave behind a lot of dung that is left un-cleared by the local authorities, which makes it nauseating and difficult for morning walkers and pedestrians to enjoy their walk.
Unfortunately, the government has failed to address these problems encountered, as well as to put an end to the inhuman treatment meted out to these strays by the owners, who leave them on the streets after they have aged and finished their years of utility.
The bitter irony however, is that such heartless treatment continues unabated even as a judge of the Allahabad High court has recently made a strong pitch for declaring the cow as the national animal and a punishment for those who harm it.
We seem to be living in two worlds -- of reality and make believe, to say the least.
