G.O. (Ms.) No. 456, Revision of Fine for Impounding Cattle in Cattle Pounds, 2022
Government Order (Ms.) Number 456, dated 20 September 2022, was issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Revenue Administration Wing, RA.2(1) Section, to revise the fines charged for cattle kept in cattle pounds. It replaces the penalty rates last revised under Government Order (Ms.) Number 638, Revenue Department, dated 7 July 1995, with higher rates intended to cover feeding, water and other maintenance costs.
What the order governs
Government Order (Ms.) Number 456 applies when cattle are impounded and maintained in a cattle pound. A fine is charged to the animal’s owner for safekeeping and feeding while the animal remains in the pound.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department revised the rates because the amounts fixed in 1995 were considered insufficient to meet current maintenance expenses. The proposal was considered in connection with better implementation of the Cattle Trespassers Act, 1871.
Revised fines
Government Order (Ms.) Number 456 sets the following revised fine amounts for each animal:
- Camel or buffalo, Rs. 500 per day.
- Cow or ox, Rs. 500 per day.
- Horse, Rs. 500 per day.
- Calf, donkey or pig, Rs. 200 per day.
- Goat, Rs. 200 per day.
- Other cattle, Rs. 200 per day.
The earlier rates had last been revised through Government Order (Ms.) Number 638, Revenue Department, dated 7 July 1995.
Why the rates were increased
The revision followed reports that existing fines could not cover the cost of maintaining impounded animals until release. The document identifies the pound keeper as responsible for providing the animals with necessary care.
Maintenance needs considered in the proposal included:
- Grass and fodder.
- Concentrated feed and dry fodder.
- Water.
- Manpower.
- Electricity and other maintenance materials.
The document records an estimated total maintenance cost of Rs. 415 per day when considering concentrated feed, dry fodder, water, manpower and electricity.
Who is affected
Government Order (Ms.) Number 456 directly affects owners whose cattle are impounded, because the owner is charged the applicable fine. It also affects cattle pound keepers and district authorities responsible for maintaining impounded animals and collecting the revised amounts.
The order was sent to all District Collectors and all District Treasury Officers. It was issued with the concurrence of the Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department and the Finance Department. The document concerns cattle pound fines and does not state any change to land ownership, registration or revenue records.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
How much is charged if my cow or ox is impounded?
The revised fine is Rs. 500 per animal per day for a cow or ox.
Who must pay the cattle pound fine?
The document states that the fine is charged to the owner for safekeeping and feeding the animal in the pound.
Why did the Tamil Nadu Government increase these fines?
The earlier amounts were considered insufficient to cover fodder, water, manpower, electricity and other costs of maintaining impounded animals.
Does Government Order (Ms.) Number 456 change my land records or property rights?
No change to land ownership, registration or revenue records is stated. The document only revises fines for animals kept in cattle pounds.
