Cow in Distress: A State-Wise Directory of Who to Call
When you find an injured, sick, or deceased cow on the road, the biggest barrier to helping her often isn't willingness — it's not knowing who to call. This directory is meant to close that gap.
Research by: Save Cows India Charitable Trust, Kolkata
Disclaimer: We have taken utmost care to provide you with the latest contact details. Please understand that government phone numbers might change beyond our control — if a number doesn't connect, try the department's official website or your local district administration office.
Step 1: Know What You're Reporting
Before you call anyone, it helps to identify the situation, because the right department depends on it:
- A cow has died in an accident or of natural causes → Contact the municipal corporation for removal of the body.
- A cow is injured, sick, or in visible distress → Contact the state veterinary/animal husbandry helpline or a dedicated animal ambulance.
- A cow is being neglected, abandoned, or mistreated → Contact the local Animal Welfare Board unit, SPCA, or police (cruelty to animals is a cognizable offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960).
Step 2: What to Have Ready Before You Call
- The exact location — landmark, street name, or nearest address (a Google Maps pin link helps enormously).
- Photographs, if it's safe to take them. For cow-related cases, you can also share photos directly on WhatsApp at 9433006601.
- The type and condition of the animal — injured, deceased, entangled, etc.
- When calling a government body, ask for a complaint or token number so you can follow up.
New Delhi
For the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area (primarily Lutyens' Delhi and surrounding areas), you can use their helpline:
- NDMC 24/7 Helpline (Toll Free): 1533
- NDMC WhatsApp: 858 888 7773
West Bengal
Rajasthan
Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Pashudhan Bhawan, Tonk Road, Jaipur – 302015
- State Emergency Control Room: 1070
- District Emergency Control Room: 1077
- Livestock Census Helpline (Toll-Free): 1800-11-5060
- Complaints can also be lodged via the Rajasthan Sampark Portal.
Gujarat
Gauseva & Gauchar Vikas Board (under the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation Department) Block No. 7, 2nd Floor, Dr. Jivaraj Mehta Bhavan, Sector-10, Gandhinagar
- Phone: 079-23256327 / 079-23256328 / 079-23256329
- Email: chairman-gauseva@gujarat.gov.in
- Animal ambulance / veterinary emergency: 1962 (Karuna Animal Ambulance)
Maharashtra
Commissionerate of Animal Husbandry, Aundh, Pune – 411067
- Phone: 020-25690484
- Email: cah-pune@gov.in
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Mantralaya, Mumbai)
- Phone: 022-22027018
Uttar Pradesh
- District-level Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) offices handle reporting; contact details are listed on each district's official website (district.nic.in) under "Animal Husbandry" or "District Helpline."
- Toll Free - 1800 1805141, Phones: 0522-2741991, 0522-2741992
- Stray and distressed cattle can also be reported through the GoAshray Sthal portal, run by the UP Animal Husbandry Department, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow.
Madhya Pradesh
- Veterinary emergency service historically operated under 1962 ("Cow Express"); service availability has varied by district, so confirm with your local Janpad Panchayat or district Animal Husbandry office before relying on it in an emergency.
- District-level "Dead Animal" helplines are listed on individual district portals (e.g., indore.nic.in).
Tamil Nadu
Animal Medical Mobile Ambulance (AMMA): dial 1962 for free veterinary and ambulance service.
National Helpline
1962 — a multi-state veterinary emergency number offering free ambulance and treatment services for cattle and other animals. It currently operates in Gujarat (Karuna Animal Ambulance), Tamil Nadu (Animal Medical Mobile Ambulance/AMMA), and has been used in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Coverage and uptime vary by state and district, so always have a local backup number as well.
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