The New Mangalore Port Trust's (NMPT) Fire Department personnel did an extraordinary act of service on Sunday by rescuing a bull from near death.
A rope around the neck of the bull, allegedly tied by the cattle-lifters to drag it away, had turned into a noose. Many citizens in Panambur and Surathkal, along with the help of Animal Care Trust (ACT), had been attempting to remove the rope around the bull's neck since February. They had used animal nets, rope lasso cutters, but were unsuccessful in their attempts.
On June 13, the bull was seen entering the NMPT dock area to drink water. It was aggressive and did not allow anyone to come near it.
A month ago, one of the volunteers from ACT had suffered injuries in his leg while attempting to approach the bull. Well aware about the risks, the fire personnel drove the bull to an enclosed area and offered it food and water.
After much pampering, the bull calmed down and allowed the fire department personnel to remove the rope from the neck on Sunday night. The tight rope had caused a wound around the bull’s neck, which would require veterinary care and treatment. NMPT Chairman A V Ramana congratulated the staff involved in the noble service.
The area near the New Mangalore Port Trust is home to hundreds of stray cattle. After the rehabilitation of residents, who were residing in the harbour project area, many domesticated cattle were left behind. Thus the abandoned cattle continue to roam around the port area. The number of cattle which was around 500 had shrunk to 100.
The cattle are now easy prey to cattle traffickers. ACT had recently urged police to prevent cattle-lifters from killing stray cows.