Bull-fighting gives city bloody nose

The Capital has seemingly failed in efforts to rid itself of the cow-cum-car stereotype of Indian streets during the Commonwealth Games to be held in October. Neelam Pandey reports. No-animal instinct

The Capital has seemingly failed in efforts to rid itself of the cow-cum-car stereotype of Indian streets during the Commonwealth Games (CWG), an international sporting event, to be held in October.

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Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) entrusted to provide shelter to stray cattle have backed out because their dues have not been paid for more than a year. The NGOs also claim lack of space to house the cattle.

Meanwhile, the plan to remove stray dogs has also hit a roadblock after animal lovers voiced their dissent against the plan to round up dogs and confine them to a dog home for the duration of the Games.

"We can't pile up cows one over another. Cows are big animals," said Mahesh Chand Sharma, president of Gausadan foundation.

"The MCD was facing a financial crunch, which is why we could not release the money on time. We will be releasing it shortly," said Municipal Corporation of Delhi's press and information director Deep Mathur.

The NGOs are paid Rs 25 per day for one cow. The MCD contributes Rs 20 and the state government Rs 5.

"If we won't get money how will we feed the animals and take care of them," Sharma asked.