Vemulawada temple to set up vet hospital after 27 bulls die at goshala

District Veterinary Officer Ravinder Reddy said the other bulls suffering from illness were responding to treatment. However, overpopulation remains a serious concern.

Rajanna-Sircilla: In the wake of multiple bull deaths (kodelu), authorities at Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada are planning to establish a veterinary hospital at the temple’s goshala.

The move comes amid growing concerns over poor health and overcrowding conditions in the goshala, located on six acres in Thippapur.

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In addition to setting up a hospital, the temple management is also considering appointing two veterinarians and deploying additional staff. The proposal has been brought to the attention of higher authorities.

On Wednesday, another bull died, bringing the death toll to 27 in recent days.

District Veterinary Officer Ravinder Reddy, in a statement, said the other bulls suffering from illness were responding to treatment. However, overpopulation remains a serious concern.

The goshala currently has over 1,200 bulls, even though the six sheds can accommodate only 300, with each shed meant to house no more than 50 animals.

Shockingly, only two outsourced assistants are managing the entire goshala. This, despite the temple earning an estimated Rs. 22 crore annually through the kodemokku ritual. However, only Rs. 50 lakh is allocated in the temple budget for goshala maintenance.

Due to congestion, bulls often fight over fodder, resulting in injuries that go untreated. Injured bulls have reportedly died due to lack of timely medical care. In some cases, calves donated by devotees also died after being injured during transport to the temple.